The Atlanta Hawks are going to be a force in free agency this summer. They have an All-Star point guard on a rookie contract, plus plenty of cap space and flexibility. And I couldn’t help but notice how many talented players in the NBA All-Star festivities would make a good fit in Atlanta next season.
5. Collin Sexton (Cleveland)
The Cavaliers organization is burning once again. Their coach is ready to get out, just halfway through the first year of his five-year contract. Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson are unhappy. Sprinkle a little Andre Drummond on top, and you have a perfect storm.
Not to mention, their 2019 1st round pick is strikingly similar to their 2018 1st round pick. It’s not inconceivable to see the Cavs moving on from Collin Sexton this summer while his stock is still high. He’s likely too good to be a backup combo-guard for the Hawks, but it’s also worth seeing if the Cavs can be fleeced.
2019-2020 Stats: 19.8 PTS, 3.2 REB, 2.7 AST. 46 FG%, 36.5 FG3%, 85.9 FT%.
4. Josh Okogie (Minnesota)
Atlanta knows all about Josh Okogie. The 6’4” shooting guard lit up the ACC for two years at Georgia Tech before getting drafted in the 1st round of 2018 draft by the T’Wolves.
Okogie is still on his rookie contract, and it’s unlikely that Minnesota will part with such an exciting young player. But then again, Atlanta has a slew of young players and draft picks which could change their mind.
2019-2020 Stats: 8.6 PTS, 4.4 REB, 1.6 AST. 41 FG%, 25 FG3%, 79.1 FT%.
3. Joe Harris (Brooklyn)
The Nets’ pure shooter will be one of the more attractive free agents in a weak class. If General Manager Travis Schlenk is serious about being the “Warriors of the East” then why not double down on outside shooting?
2019-2020 Stats: 13.8 PTS, 4.3 REB, 2.1 AST. 46.8 FG%, 40.8 FG3%, 74.3 FT%.
2. Davis Bertans (Washington)
Again, another free agent who was featured in the 3-point contest. Bertans always has the greenest of green lights when on the floor. The only problem is the Hawks frontcourt is already crowded between John Collins, Dewayne Dedmon, and Bruno Fernando. But if Bertans is willing to come to Atlanta, you have to make room for him.
2019-2020 Stats: 15 PTS, 4.6 REB, 1.8 AST. 43.6 FG%, 42.4 FG3%, 86.7 FT%.
1. Buddy Hield (Sacramento)
Vlade Divac was smart in locking Hield up for a long time. The 3-point contest winner has proven he can consistently light it up. However, there are rumors of the shooting guard being unhappy in Sac-town and possibly requesting a trade. The Hawks have the cap space to go with an all-Oklahoma backcourt.
2019-2020 Stats: 20.4 PTS, 5 REB, 3.2 AST. 43.1 FG%, 38.5 FG3%, 83 FT%.
–
Maybe it’s because I’m a Lakers fan, and we have an only-child mentality of wanting everyone and everything. Cap space, luxury taxes, and common sense mean nothing to us when we have our eyes set on a player. This summer, the Hawks will finally be in a position of power and need to shoot for the stars. Literally.
(@Pat_Benson_Jr)
You must log in to post a comment.