President of basketball operations Travis Schlenk believes the Hawks are now a destination for top free agents and All-Star level players seeking a trade, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic writes.
“I think last year kind of put us back on the NBA map as far as a destination,” he said. “Those who want to get traded, they want to go somewhere they think they can win. And I think now that perception of us is out there, because we do have a young core that did show success in the playoffs. So the hope would be when a star player does ask to be traded, we’ll be one of the destinations he’ll be open to coming to.”
Acquiring a second star to pair with Trae Young could be somewhat difficult, though Schlenk sees it as a possibility.
“I still think when you look at the depth of our roster and the young talent that we have, we don’t have draft assets like we have in the past anymore, but we now have guys under contract that you could match some of the bigger salaries,” he said.
The Hawks have one spot open on the 15-man roster, but Schlenk doesn’t plan to fill it right away. The team is close to the luxury tax, so when a 15th player is added, it will likely be on a non-guaranteed deal.
However, if Atlanta is in title contention again, owner Tony Ressler won’t mind paying the tax, according to Schlenk.
“Certainly, Tony is willing to pay the tax if we are going to be a contender,” Schlenk said. “I’m probably more conscious of it than Tony is, to be honest with you. It’s my job to manage his money. He’s got a lot more of it than I do, so I worry about it more than he does.”
Another order of business that the Hawks would like to take care of before the start of next season is reaching an extension agreement with Kevin Huerter, according to Sarah Spencer of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He’s one of the NBA players eligible for a rookie scale extension.
The talks should heat up next week, Spencer adds.
Next season
Hawks and Suns have 20% chance to win the Conferences each
IMO
Far too generous for both teams, more so with Phoenix.
DYNASTY!!!!!!!!
I would LOVE to see us go after Ben Simmons. Especially if we can get him for something like Kevin Huerter, Danilo Gallinari & a couple of 1sts
Huh? Serious? I was thinking I would like to add Trae for something like Milton and Tobias and maybe a first or 2…one of these trades is bound to happen, huh?
Hard to follow what you’re trying to say. Are you saying you want Philly keep Ben? Do you really think ATL would consider trading Trae? Just try to clearly say what you mean…
He was commenting on the merit of your trade idea. You know this. Philly fans are relentless in defending the value of Simmons. Of course in the playoffs everyone was blasting him.
Ben Simmons sucks at basketball you gotta be joking. He’s an NBA player who can’t do the main thing a nba player should be able to do and that’s shoot the ball. He’s so overrated it’s not even funny.
Lmao keep watching NBA TV. Down stock? Yes. Overrated? Heck no. Guys forget even King James had a bad playoff early is his career. The guy is a Defensive POY candidate and can pass and get to the rim. All he needs is confidence and to stay in the gym. And get out of Philly bc that fan base just isn’t for everyone. That’s all around not just in the NBA.
Atlanta is the best strip club destination.
Offer a free wing tour with Lou Williams and the free agents will be pouring in.
Don’t even get this GM. He’s got a good young team. And he’s talking about FAs coming to Atlanta. A capped out team. Hawks have the players and assets to make a major trade. I’ve been saying it for the longest, to move Collins. Hawks can go after Beal, CJ, or Ben. Didn’t really think about Ben in Atlanta. But that would be a good move for both teams.
He looks like Moby