The NBA offseason unofficially began on Sunday after it was revealed Kevin Durant would be traded to the Houston Rockets. This was the league's biggest domino that needed to fall, as several teams were in the running to acquire the future Hall of Famer. Now, both buyers and sellers have clarity with Durant finding a new home.
This aspect of the Durant trade fallout is particularly noteworthy for the Atlanta Hawks, who are just as likely to move a piece as they are to add one. Though a Trae Young trade would give them major fuel for a total reset, the recent turnaround of mediocre (or downright bad) teams in the Eastern Conference offers motivation to add instead.
As it turns out, the Hawks are at least considering putting one asset to use this offseason.
Hawks Rumored to Be Searching for Trade with $25 Million Exception
Jake Fischer of the Stein Line newsletter wrote on Saturday that Atlanta is "actively exploring ways to capitalize on a $25 million trade exception it still possesses." This tool was created by last summer's dealing of Dejounte Murray, and Fischer notes it makes new GM Onsi Saleh a threat to pull off a sign-and-trade move "once the offseason begins in earnest."
The fact this came out just before the Durant deal means the Hawks are a serious threat post-KD move. They have a sizable exception that could be used to add a meaningful piece to their roster in an instant, and there's no major salary cap concerns that could prevent such an acquisition.
This gives Atlanta several options in the Durant fallout. Perhaps they look at someone like Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, who's clearly not valued by his current team and has obvious potential to shine in an expanded role.
Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers is another option, as he has previously been targeted by the Hawks and could bring a reliable 20-PPG scorer to the lineup.
Meanwhile, ATL could also address their big man situation with Clint Capela's exit expected. Naz Reid is another offensive-minded addition, while Myles Turner's name is being frequently mentioned around the Hawks ahead of free agency.
Regardless of who they might pursue, after making a regime change following two straight playoff-less seasons, the league should have its eyes on Saleh and Atlanta.