The Hawks added Dejounte Murray in a huge trade that didn’t cost the team much in terms of players. Atlanta still has some work to do, and they have made it clear they aren’t afraid to spend in order to compete.
Tony Ressler: "Going into the tax does not scare us."
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) May 5, 2022
The Hawks have a few holes. They could use a backup point guard and some scorers off the bench. Even with Murray, Atlanta still needs a few defenders. I’ll be targeting lower-cost guys who can space the floor, play some defense, or both. Atlanta may free up some money in a John Collins trade, but for now, I’ll focus on cheap options.
G Donte DiVencenzo — Sacramento Kings (Restricted)
DiVencenzo is a very energetic defender and microwave scorer — something the Hawks could use off the bench when they need an offensive spark. We saw the Kings not match Bogdan Bogdanovic, so who knows.
G Gary Payton II — Golden State Warriors (Unrestricted)
The Warriors have made it clear that bringing Payton II back is one of their top priorities, but he may get away if he receives a bigger payday. Payton, like his pops, is an elite defender who shot almost 36% from three last year.
G Victor Oladipo — Miami Heat (Unrestricted)
After suffering some brutal injuries, is Victor Oladipo back to form? I had him on this list back in 2021, and he was a huge piece for the Heat down the stretch. I’d take a gamble on him for the right price.
G Aaron Holiday — Phoenix Suns (Unrestricted)
Holiday is a similar player to Delon Wright. He thrives on the defensive end of the floor and knocked down 38% of his threes last year — a very interesting buy-low candidate.
G Austin Rivers — Denver Nuggets (Unrestricted)
Rivers can give you some solid defense and lead a second unit as a combo guard. He’s a solid shooter who gets after bigger guards.
G Malik Monk — Los Angeles Lakers (Unrestricted)
Monk finally looked like the star he was at Kentucky in 2021, and he should get a solid payday for his efforts. You’re bringing him in to get buckets and only get buckets — something he can do in bunches off the bench.
G Wesley Matthews — Milwaukee Bucks (Unrestricted)
Matthews isn’t the player he once was, but he’s still a very tough defender that can handle the ball and will give you a few threes off the bench.
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