The Atlanta Hawks were the feel-good story of the 2014-15 NBA season. In the follow-up campaign, though, they’ve plateaued as what the Hawks were for so many years prior: a solid playoff team and not much more. Now, after a change in ownership and a taste of the big time, the Hawks are willing to deal part of their core to chase true title contention once again, according to ESPN.
From the four of their starting lineup that remain from last season after small forward DeMarre Carroll left in free agency, it appears only power forward Paul Millsap is truly untouchable, while point guard Jeff Teague is the one being shopped most actively. Teague, for his part, has deleted nearly all references to the Hawks from his Instagram page (with the notable exception of his profile photo).
Surprisingly, ESPN’s sources say that Al Horford is more available than ever before, considering he’s an unrestricted free agent after this season. Atlanta’s ambivalence about their ability to contend with this core could center on their concerns about signing Horford to a max deal that could last until his age-35 season. If they don’t want to offer him that deal, they may be motivated to get something for him before he walks for good.
With Millsap staying put, it’s clear the Hawks aren’t in full rebuild mode. They’re reportedly looking for contributors rather than assets, unwilling to completely dismantle the momentum that brought an influx of fan interest to the team.
Still, it’s a saddening development for a franchise that just last year was being called Spurs East by basketball purists. Unfortunately, the continuity that San Antonio has fostered isn’t so easily duplicated. If Atlanta is serious about trading Teague, Horford and/or Kyle Korver (while available, reportedly the least likely to be moved of the three), they will find many willing partners. All three are still very good players, which makes admitting that they might not be good enough to win anything together even tougher.
(Via ESPN)
