If you’re an NBA general manager looking to make a move before the Feb. 18 trade deadline, you might as well give the Atlanta Hawks a ring.
The Hawks, despite owning the fourth-best record in the Eastern Conference, could be among the sellers in the trade market.
‘They’re certainly taking phone calls about everybody on the roster, as every NBA team does this time of year” Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution said Thursday on NBA TV.
Former All-Star power forward Al Horford and role player Kent Bazemore are the only Hawks players with expiring deals. Atlanta has six players with contracts expiring next season, which means there’s no rush to trade them.
However, it’s likely the Hawks could receive better assets for these players by dealing them now. Rentals usually don’t net a great return because teams typically don’t want to give up quality assets for just two or three months of service. Acquiring a player with term beyond this season is different.
Here’s a look at Atlanta’s salary situation, via Hoops Hype.
Plenty of teams already have inquired or are interested in certain Hawks players. The Celtics reportedly inquired about Horford and Jeff Teague, while the Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly are interested in sharpshooter Kyle Korver.
Thumbnail photo via Brett Davis/USA TODAY Sports Images
