Atlanta Hawks Rumors: The Hawks to Facilitate A Super Team?

We are only a few days away from the madness of NBA Free Agency. The Atlanta Hawks aren’t expected to be major players in the unrestricted free agent market. There is a scenario though, in which the Hawks would be an intricate part, of forming the next NBA Super Team.

Reports are starting to surface about the potential free agent destinations of NBA megastar LeBron James. No, I’m not here to report that LeBron James will play for the Atlanta Hawks, unfortunately. (Fortunately for those who are a proponent of building through the draft, like myself.) It is now becoming clear, that if the Los Angeles Lakers are able to acquire a star, Lebron James will take his talents to the West Coast. LA Team President Magic Johnson has zeroed in on disgruntled San Antonio Spurs Power-Forward Kawhi Leonard to be that star.

In order for the Lakers to form this dream team, there is one major obstacle, the albatross contract of Luol Deng. Deng is scheduled to make 18 million dollars next season. If the Lakers want to team up LeBron, Leonard and possibly a 3rd star, they must rid themselves of Deng’s contract. Oklahoma City Thunder Forward Paul George is reportedly the top candidate to complete the trio. George, a Los Angeles area native, is reportedly torn between going home and continuing his partnership with PG Russell Westbrook. Here’s is something to watch for, if Leonard and James both land in LA, and George declines the invitation to join them, don’t be surprised if James makes a plea to his good friend Chris Paul, to join them with the Lakers!

First things First, for any of the noted scenarios to be a possibility, Deng must be moved. In steps the Atlanta Hawks, and General Manager Travis Schlenk. As documented in my previous article, the Atlanta Hawks could have up to 24 million dollars in salary cap space. Theoretically, the Hawks can take back Deng’s 18 million dollar contract without sending back any guaranteed salary. So the Hawks have emerged in rumors, as a possible 3rd team to facilitate a trade of Kawhi Leonard to the Lakers. Bleacher Report’s LA Lakers’ lead writer Eric Pincus mentioned the possibility in his Path to a Super Team article.

Steve Kyler of basketball insider’s recently tweeted about the Hawks possibly being involved:

Atlanta Hawks’ general manager Travis Schlenk has previously stated that he plans to use the team’s cap flexibility, to help teams up against the cap get relief. In exchange, Atlanta would receive draft picks, and other young, player assets. LA Lakers 2018 1st Round Draft choice, F Mortiz Wagner is thought to be in play, as the team has yet to sign him, making him eligible to be included in deals. The Lakers also have young prospects such as, G Lonzo Ball, F Brandon Ingram, F Kyle Kuzma and G Josh Hart. These four players are highly regarded around the league. All of the mentioned players, except Ball, would likely interest the Hawks. Ball plays the same position as Blue Chip draft pick Trae Young.

Schlenk would certainly want at least some combination, from 2 of the previously mentioned prospects, or 1st round draft picks, for taking on Luol Deng’s hefty salary. The Atlanta Hawks’ GM would be smart to attempt to acquire an unprotected 1st round pick 4 years from now if he agrees to take a pick for compensation.

The San Antonio Spurs are believed to be fully engaged in trade talks for Leonard, who is widely regarded as one of the NBA’s top 5 players. They seem to be taking a patient approach and are hoping to get a mega-deal for their star. In a deal with the Lakers, they would want their fair share of the young assets. Ingram is thought to be their top target, as he could slide right into Kawhi’s Small Forward slot, in the Spurs starting lineup. This would take him off the table for the Atlanta Hawks.

Another thing to consider for the Spurs is the age of Coach Gregg Popovich. It’s not known if the 69-year-old Popovich, is interested in overseeing a full-fledged rebuild. It’s highly possible, that The Spurs would also be seeking veteran pieces, in an attempt to stay competitive in the treacherous Western Conference. That being said, this could become a really interesting 3 team trade, if San Antonio views Atlanta Hawks’ PG Dennis Schröder and/or SG Kent Bazemore as players that can help them stay competitive.

For an example a trade such as this works under the NBA’s salary cap:

Atlanta Hawks Receive:
F Luol Deng – LAL
C Mortiz Wagner – LAL
2022 Unprotected 1st round pick – LAL

San Antonio Spurs Receive:
G Dennis Schröder – ATL
F Brandon Ingram – LAL
F Kyle Kuzma – LAL
2019 1st Rd pick – LAL

Los Angeles Lakers Receive:
F Kawhi Leonard – SAS

If the Atlanta Hawks were to pull off such a deal, it would immediately clear the way for #5 overall pick Trae Young, to take over the reigns as the team’s starting PG. I wrote about the Hawks PG dilemma here. Because Deng’s contract is only 2.5 million more than Schröder’s, the Atlanta Hawks would still have cap space to facilitate more deals in exchange for assets. The fact that Deng’s contract is 1 year shorter than Schröder’s, is a plus as well. To soften the blow of taking on Deng, the Hawks would receive C Mortiz Wagner, and a 2022 unprotected 1st round pick from LA. Mo Wagner a 6’11 C/F, lead the Michigan Wolverines to the NCAA title game.

Wagner in defeat, went head to head with Hawks’  and recent draftee Omari Spellman in the game. Wagner nailed 39.4% of his 3s last season. He would provide the Atlanta Hawks, with a 4th high percentage 3 point shooter from the 2018 draft class. The beauty of it all, is they each play a different position on the court. The Hawks would delay their draft pick compensation until 2022, in exchange for the pick being unprotected. The hope is the Lakers’ superteam would have fizzled out, and the pick would be a high one. That would be a case of patience truly paying dividends.

The Spurs would receive a nice haul for their superstar. They acquire 2 talented, young, long-term core pieces, in Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma. Ingram was the #2 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. They also receive Dennis Schröder who averaged 19.4 PPG and 6.2 APG. He a piece that could start at PG, and help satisfy the Spurs desires to stay competitive. The bonus is Schröder knows San Antonio’s offense, having played his entire career under longtime Spurs’ Assistant Coach, and former Atlanta Hawks’ Head Coach, Mike Budenholzer. Certainly, a phone call between Budenholzer and Popovich would be made, prior to a trade being consummated.

The Lakers would pay a hefty price, paying both to rid themselves of Deng’s contract, as well as to acquire Leonard. In total, they would give up 3 young players, and 2 draft picks. Many people would deem such a steep cost worth it, as it likely means the arrival of LeBron James. Also looming would be the possibility of Paul George, or Chris Paul, also joining LeBron and Kawhi in La La Land. The Lakers would also retain top prospects Lonzo Ball, the #2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft, and Josh Hart. It’s unclear, however, if LA wants to keep Ball long term, due to the constant controversy, and distractions, involving Ball’s Father Lavar, and his company Big Baller Brand.

If the teams really wanted to get creative, this trade works numerically as well:

Atlanta Hawks Receive:
F Luol Deng – LAL
G Lonnie Walker – SAS
C Mortiz Wagner – LAL
G Danny Green – SAS
G Bryn Forbes – SAS

San Antonio Spurs Receive:
G Dennis Schröder – ATL
G Kent Bazemore – ATL
F Brandon Ingram – LAL
F Kyle Kuzma – LAL
2019 & 2021 1st Rd picks – LAL

Los Angeles Lakers Receive:
F Kawhi Leonard – SAS
G Derrick White – SAS

In this complicated version, the Atlanta Hawks also rid themselves of veteran Kent Bazemore and his 17.5 million dollar salary as well. They exchange that salary for Danny Green who makes 7 million less and has 1 less year on his contract. In addition, the Hawks receive a 5th player from the 2018 draft class, guard Lonnie Walker of the Spurs. Walker who played with the University of Miami was reported to be a guy Atlanta was fond of during the draft process. This deal would leave the Hawks in an even better position to continue to trade cap space for assets.

San Antonio would also trade for Kent Bazemore, as part of an attempt to stay in win-now mode, in this scenario. Bazemore, a more productive player than Danny Green, improved his stats last season in nearly every category from the prior year. Bazemore is also familiar with the SA offense. By sending out Walker, San Antonio would receive a 2nd future 1st Rd draft pick from Los Angeles. LA would receive 2017 1st round selection, Derrick White, in addition to Kawhi Leonard.

While I’m of the belief they will act as facilitators, the answer is still unknown as to what direction the Hawks will take in Free Agency. The Hawks have the salary cap space to chase free agents both restricted and unrestricted. They could also use the space to take on unwanted contracts, in exchange for assets. One thing is for certain, the Atlanta Hawks are sure to be involved in the mix regardless.

Next: Trae Young Headed to Atlanta

What direction would you like to see the Atlanta Hawks take in Free Agency? What is your best trade idea for the Hawks to help facilitate for another team? Please leave your comments below. Also please download the FanSided app and favorite All Atlanta Sports. That’s where you will find atlallday.com content on all of your favorite Atlanta Sports teams.