On Wednesday, June 29, theAtlanta Hawkspicked up their team option on forward-centerMike Muscala.Muscalawill return for the 2016-17 season; the final season of his contract.
In the midst of free-agency uncertainty and upcoming roster changes, the Atlanta Hawks confirmed on Wednesday thatMike Muscalawon’t be going anywhere for the 2016-17 season.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Wednesday morning that the Hawks picked up their team option onMuscala, and he will return next season earning a salary of $1,015,696 in his final season of his rookie contract with the Hawks, which was signed in 2014.
VIAChris Vivlamore of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
"“I’ve very excited for the opportunity next season,” Muscala wrote in a text message to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I love the city of Atlanta and the Hawks organization. Lil’ Scrappy said it best … F.I.L.A (Forever I Love Atlanta)!!”"
Why Muscala?
What were the Atlanta Hawks’ options when it came to the 6-foot-11 forward-center? They had two choices:
Pick up their team option and keep him for the remainder of his rookie contract at an inexpensive salary, or,
Decline his option and send him to restricted free agency this summer.
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Last season,Muscalasaw increased playing time, with a career-high 60 games played. He averaged 3.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game.
His stats are less than impressive…so then why did it make sense for the Hawks to keep him? Despite his current numbers, he has shown improvement over the years with the Hawks.Muscalaknows the system and he can log some minutes. He offers depth and enough versatility that the Atlanta Hawks can utilize him in the future.
Muscala and Free Agency
Then, it all comes back to free agency. It made the most sense for Atlanta to keepMuscalaaround for another season because his cheap salary (just over $1m) allows the Hawks’ salary cap enough elasticity for the nearing free agency period, which begins at 12:01 AM on July 1.
All-Star centerAl Horfordand shooting guardKent Bazemore, who the Hawks hope to retain, will officially enter unrestricted free agency on Friday. Additionally, the Hawks search for their star, game-changing player continues. Whether it be Dwight Howard or the unlikely Kevin Durant, that player will come at a price.
Next: Atlanta Braves: July 2nd International Signing Primer
The Atlanta Hawks decision to lock inMuscalafor another year is just the beginning of the excitement that is to come in the following days. Big things could be in store for the Hawks. Stay tuned.
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