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Atlanta Hawks Interested in Free Agent Zach LaVine

By Kit Anderson

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 11: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls reacts at the end of the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on March 11, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 11: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls reacts at the end of the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on March 11, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly interested in Bull’s shooting guard Zach LaVine. It would be an odd move for a rebuilding team.

Hearing the Atlanta Hawks interest in Zach LaVine was surprising for a team who should be focused on ridding themselves of big contracts. If the Hawks were to sign Zach it would be to a near-max deal.

Looking at the way the Hawks are currently constructed, they are still at least a year away from competing in a weak Eastern conference.

Adding Zach does what for a team stuck with Bazemore’s contract?  You have another big contract, one that could go badly and you have Kevin Huerter and Kent Bazemore at the same position.

Even in positionless basketball, LaVine doesn’t seem like a great fit in Atlanta. He isn’t a missing piece vaulting them to contention.

He is a good guard who averaged just over 16-3-3 in his time with the Bulls. Will he make the team a contender? No. Will he be a for sure building piece worth the contract he will demand? Another solid no.

These facts alone should answer the Hawk’s questions as to whether or not they should sign the guard. They should be focused on getting rid of Bazemore’s contract and moving on from Dennis Schroder.

Adding players should only be to add future assets. Adding young players to take on bad contracts or taking on bad contracts for draft picks should be options for the Hawks if the contracts are expiring within the next two seasons.

LaVine is a good guard, just not a franchise player capable of turning around a bad team like the Hawks.

Tanking may be a rough term… but it is in essence what the Hawks will be focused on in the upcoming season. Unless Trae Young and Kevin Huerter come out more NBA ready than expected, this will be another tough season the Hawks focus on picks and allowing young players to learn to play together.

The Hawks are another draft away from building a team capable of adding a player like LaVine and competing. Right now isn’t the time to become antsy about the path you chose.

Rebuilding is a long process, one the Hawks need to focus on not adding another potential bad contract.

Look at the Braves as an example of a team who accelerated their rebuild. They were putrid for two seasons taking on contracts similar to the Hawk’s veterans last season. Expendable pieces you can move to get future value.

They didn’t sign long-term pieces in year two of the rebuild. Embracing their path they continued to collect picks and prospects building depth and avoiding signing quick fixes. The Braves are now leading their division after a quick three-year rebuild and in postseason contention.

For the Hawks they must follow the Braves example, continuing to see the rebuild through. Could they add free agency pieces like LaVine to become 7th or 8th seed contenders? Sure, but it won’t get them past Philly or Boston.

Next: Trae Young Headed to Atlanta

Building lasting success if the goal for the Hawks, signing Zach LaVine is a potential misstep one not focused on the ultimate goal of building the Hawks into a better team not for this season but for many seasons to come.

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