TheAtlanta Hawksmade changes early in the free agency period. With a 15-player maximum current roster at this point and three full days remaining in the period, what’s next for the Hawks?
The Atlanta Hawks took advantage of the free agency period from day one. First, on Friday, July 1, the Hawks signed centerDwight Howardon a three-year, $70.5 million deal.
Next, as anticipated, the Hawks re-upped with shooting guardKent Bazemore.Bazemoreagreed to a four-year, $70 million deal with Atlanta. Then there was the fate of All-Star centerAl Horford, who the Hawks originally hoped to re-sign as well.
Instead,Horfordsigned a four-year, $113 million deal with the Boston Celtics. Luckily, withHorfordleaving, the Hawks can hold on to power forwardPaul Millsap. Then the Atlanta Hawks landed a two-year contract with former Virginia Tech guardMalcolm Delaney.Delaneywent undrafted in the 2011 NBA Draft, and went on to play for Lokomotiv Kuban of the VTB United League.
Last season, the 6-foot-3 guard scored 18.9 points per 40 minutes, and had been a topic of discussion for the Houston Rockets and Brooklyn Nets recently. WithDennis Schrodercurrently the only point guard on the roster,Delaneycould be the backup.
According toESPN Staff Writer Kevin Pelton, “Delaney projects as an average or slightly better backup point guard. He doesn’t figure to be great in any particular area in the NBA, but he shoots the 3 well enough to space the floor and is a capable ballhandler.”
What’s next?
Now, with the NBA free agency period coming to an end on July 7, the Atlanta Hawks have a few options. After all that has already taken place, the Hawks have an estimated $4 million available salary cap space to work with. WithSchroderbeing the only true point guard on the current roster, the Hawks could pursue a backup point guard. Trades are still a viable option as well.
More fromATL All Day
- Atlanta Braves: Felix Has Already Shown Enough to Win a Rotation Spot
- Atlanta Braves Implode Late To Phillies, Cole Hamels Remains Sidelined
- Kyle Wright Shines As Folty Struggles In Atlanta Braves Loss To Red Sox
- Atlanta Hawks Sweep Back-to-Back Games Over Weekend
- Atlanta Braves: Grapefruit League Play Check Up
The “July Moratorium,” which ends this Thursday, is another factor. The Hawks will then officially begin the signings ofTaurean Prince,Dwight Howard, andKent Bazemore, and can also say goodbye toHorford. The league will then review the revenue from the previous season and officially set the salary cap.
On Sunday, the $3.3 million contract of power forwardMike Scottbecomes guaranteed…unless of course the Atlanta Hawks decide otherwise. If they were to decide to waive him before then, it would only increase the salary-cap.
Scottwas recently delivered a notice of accusation on drug charges that could potentially amount to a total of 25 years in prison. He could continue to face legal troubles well into the upcoming season. Whether or notScottcould face any consequences from the Hawks or the NBA is still up in the air, and could greatly impact Atlanta’s final decision.
Next: Atlanta Hawks: Is Taurean Prince DeMarre Carroll 2.0?
The Atlanta Hawks have plenty of options and time left in the free agency period to address remaining issues…the problem is the currently limited salary-cap space.
Add us as a preferred source onGoogleLoading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations