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NBA: 5 teams who have decreased their stock over the summer

By Brian Sampson

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 30: Steve Ballmer owner of the Los Angeles Clippers cheers for his team against Utah Jazz during the first half of a basketball game at Staples Center October 30, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 30: Steve Ballmer owner of the Los Angeles Clippers cheers for his team against Utah Jazz during the first half of a basketball game at Staples Center October 30, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC- JUNE 26: Dwight Howard Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC- JUNE 26: Dwight Howard Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Atlanta Hawks

For the second straight year, the Atlanta Hawks lost a big name from their frontcourt. Last season, Al Horford decided to leave via free agency and sign with the Atlantic Division rival Boston Celtics.

This season, Atlanta lost not only one big man, but two!

They traded away Dwight Howard in a pre-draft move for a couple of role players, Marco Belinelli and Miles Plumlee. Even though this will cost them some money in the long-term, it was a surefire way to save for the next two seasons.

This was the first sign they were in rebuild mode.

The second sign? They waived Mike Dunleavy and newly acquired Jamal Crawford in an effort to let them pursue winning options. Then, Paul Millsap was allowed to walk in free agency.

That left a massive hole on their roster. The two post players combined to average 31.6 points and 20.4 rebounds per game in 2016-17.

Atlanta responded by re-signing Ersan Ilyasova and Mike Muscala. They also drafted John Collins, a power forward out of Wake Forest. Not exactly the most inspiring moves.

It’s clear they are heading in a completely new direction. After competing for a top seed in the Eastern Conference the past few years, they are looking to start over. Outside of Dennis Schroder, they don’t have any major building blocks.

Next: The biggest winners and losers of 2017 NBA free agency

Strap in, Hawks fans, it’s going to be a long, bumpy ride.