Atlanta Hawks: 3 players facing the most pressure in 2018-19
2. Kent Bazemore
Kent Bazemore had been the subject of trade rumors all summer, but had been overshadowed by the trade rumors of Dennis Schroder. Bazemore is currently the highest-paid player on the Hawks right now and for a team trying to get younger and free up cap space, he presents a great trade option for many teams. However, only two have been truly interested in Bazemore.
Source: Kent Bazemore’s list of suitors also includes Milwaukee, who recently contacted the Hawks but initial trade talks didn’t get very far. Kent loves Atlanta, but would be open to a move to HOU/MIL since he knows both coaches well and would be joining a contender.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) August 7, 2018
It’s not that Bazemore has been bad; he actually had one of his best seasons last year for the Hawks. His 12.9 points per game over a full season plus a 39.4 percent 3-point shooting were both career highs. The front office just may want to try to get as much as they can for him while he’s a valuable asset given the depth they have at their wing positions.
Bazemore has the ability to slid into the shooting guard or small forward position as has flipped back and forth over his career. But he likely won’t factor into the depth as the team brought in veteran Vince Carter in a mentor role and received Justin Anderson in the three-way trade involving Dennis Schroder to back up Taurean Prince.
Bazemore should expect some competition at his own position too. Tyler Dorsey looked excellent in Summer League play and the team also drafted Kevin Huerter, a career 39.4 percent 3-point shooter over his two years at Maryland.
Bazemore finds himself in an interesting spot. If he continues his excellent play, he should keep his starting job while making him a desirable trade asset. If he doesn’t, he could start seeing the bench more and that could have a negative effect on his next contract and landing spot.