7 Trades The Atlanta Hawks Could Make For Kent Bazemore

Support For A Superstar

The New Orleans Pelicans have a need on the wing and have also expressed interest in Atlanta Hawks swingman Kent Bazemore. E’Twaun Moore and his 12.5 ppg, was the only real production the Pelicans got on the wing. It’s safe to say, no other team needs an upgrade more.

SF Solomon Hill and C Alex Ajinca for Kent Bazemore works under the NBA Salary Cap. The issue is neither offer the Atlanta Hawks much in term of production. The 7’2 248 lb Alex Ajinca missed the entire 2017-18 season due to to surgery on both knees, after previously suffering from tendonitis.

Solomon Hill, a 6’7 225 lb SF, only played 12 games due to a torn hamstring. Hill averaged 2 points and 3 rebounds in 16 minutes per game. The deal would give the Atlanta Hawks an additional 6 million in cap space for 2019. Hill, like Bazemore has 2 years left on his deal at 12 million per.

The other issue is the Atlanta Hawks are already at the NBA roster limit of 15 players. This means they would have to waive someone. Despite that the Atlanta Hawks have a lack of depth upfront, Ajinca would likely be released. Ajinca is in the last year of his contract.

The additional compensation New Orleans must provide will be steep. At the same time bold moves must be made in an attempt to appease their superstar Anthony Davis. Davis is said to be concerned, aften Center Demarcus Cousins headed to the Warriors in Free Agency.

The Deal

The New Orleans Pelicans receive G/F Kent Bazemore

The Atlanta Hawks receive F Solomon Hill, C Alex Ajinca, a 2019 top 10 protected 1st round pick, 2 future 2nd round picks 

How it helps the Atlanta Hawks

This trade gives the team more cap space for 2019, and adds an additional 1st round pick next year.