The Atlanta Hawks are on the cusp of a massive rebuild. Here are five potential free agents in 2017 that can help the transition go smoothly.
The 2017 NBA free agency frenzy is set to begin in less than 48 hours and the Atlanta Hawks appear to be headed towards a rebuilding phase — and not just with Philips Arena.
Efforts to alter the roster have already begun, with Dwight Howard being dealt to Charlotte with little in return, as the team simply wanted to remove the remaining $47 million owed to him over the next two seasons.
Atlanta appears to be hesitant to offer a maximum contract to All-Star forward Paul Millsap, even though he is set to become an unrestricted free agent Saturday.
While the 6’8″ forward has thrived during his four seasons with the Hawks, a five-year deal in excess of $200 million may ultimately be more than new general manager Travis Schlenk is willing to offer.
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Tim Hardaway Jr. becomes a restricted free agent July 1, giving the team a bit of an advantage as Atlanta can match any offer made to him, but will likely let him walk if he signs a deal the team feels is too substantial.
The average salary for an NBA player last season was $4.5 million according with the cap set at just over $94 million. The expected salary cap for the 2017-18 season is expected to be around $99 million, a bit lower than many league executives anticipated.
With possibly three starting positions to replace in free agency and nearly $55 million in cap space for next season if both Hardaway Jr. and Millsap are removed from the roster, the Hawks may be one of the more active franchises next month.
Here are five possible additions Atlanta could make in free agency this summer.