Atlanta Hawks: 5 big goals for the 2018-19 season

3. Trade Kent Bazemore

This is a goal the Hawks may not necessarily want to do, but Kent Bazemore has already been the subject of trade rumors this offseason and the Hawks have the depth at the wings to replace him if they need be.

Bazemore posted a career high 39.4 3-point shooting percentage last year, finally settling into a nice role in Atlanta’s backcourt. But while he has been a very productive 3-and-D guard for the Hawks, his 19.3 million dollar player option for 2019-20 is a big concern for the front office.

With the 18.1 million dollars owed to him this year, Bazemore is the highest paid player on the Hawks. There isn’t any argument that he shouldn’t be paid that much money, but with the Hawks in re-building mode, the extra cap space could help attract prospective free agents or re-sign their own free agents over the next two years.

Schlenk drafted Kevin Huerter, a 3-point specialist from Maryland, this year and has DeAndre’ Bembry waiting in the wings. Tyler Dorsey could fill in well at shooting guard too as he impressed in Summer League. And if necessary, Vince Carter could slot in as well for a few minutes a game.

It’s not ideal to lose an outstanding 3-and-D wing player as Bazemore, but he could be the last piece Schlenk wants to move to get this team shaped how he would like.