Strange twists in the NBA, at the crossroads of rebuilding Philadelphia 76ers and the playoff bound Atlanta Hawks trying to switch roles. Could a trade between the two teams fast track both teams?
NBA Rumors often tell the what and the who, but often not the when. Even moreso, never the why. Right now, the Atlanta Hawks, a playoff team, is placing incredible talent on the trading block. Why?
Speculating? It comes down to the money right now.
The Atlanta Hawks are a playoff team, yes. But the window for their post-season opportunities appears to be closing rapidly. The Hawks traded Kyle Korver to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and in return received a 2019 first round pick (protected), Mike Dunleavy, and Mo Williams. Cleveland got the better value but Korver is in his last year under contract. In addition, the Hawks had to take a salary cap hit in the deal. Originally rumored to be seeking a third team to eat the excess salary of Dunleavy, the Hawks appear to be okay for now. They are not done dealing.
But it comes down to the million dollar question. Why would a solidly-on-track-for-the-playoffs-NBA-Team Hawks suddenly start dealing pieces? Seems simple enough. The team sees the wheels falling off the wagon. Korver is in his last contract year with the team. At the end of the season, he won’t stay. The team didn’t have enough cap space to offer him a meaningful contract next year.
But the team has more problems with money than that. They actually took a salary cap HIT in the Cavaliers deal. There is more happening in Atlanta.