A couple days prior to the start of free agency, new Hawks general manager Travis Schlenk said the team would be taking a “wait and see” approach. They have certainly done that. With nearly every big name off the market, the Hawks have yet to make a major signing. It’s clear the Hawks will not be competing next season, but they still have to fill out the roster with cheap high upside players and guys who will fit the new mold Schlenk is trying to build in Atlanta.
Willie Reed was one of the first players the Hawks expressed interest in.
Per @AlexKennedyNBA the Hawks have interest in Willie Reed.
— SportsTalkATL.com (@SportsTalkATL) July 3, 2017
Reed is a journeyman that bounced around the D-League before getting his chance in the NBA with the Nets two seasons ago. After an efficient second season in the league with Miami, Reed is garnering interest from several teams. He would be a terrific defensive and rebounding presence on a young Hawks team.
Bojan Bogdanovich also received strong interest from Atlanta on the first day of free agency.
Hawks the most ardent suitors at present for Wizards RFA Bojan Bogdanovic. Will be hard for WAS to match offer sheet if it has 2 max Porter.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) July 1, 2017
Porter, a RFA himself, inked a $106 million dollar deal with the Nets. Like Aldridge said, the Wizards likely will not be able to match both a deal for Porter and Bogdanovic. Bogdanovic does one thing really well, score. He showed that in the playoffs versus the Hawks, as he was the one of the few reliable players off the Wizards bench.
Another wing scoring option, C.J. Miles has been linked to Atlanta.
#Twolves still have interest Miles. Room exception isn't enough. Miami, Atl., + Kings all showing interest. Expected to take visits soon. pic.twitter.com/iu9Mpa4Ieq
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) July 4, 2017
The Twolves could use Miles, but he would have to be willing to take quite a pay cut. Like Bogdanovich, his best attribute is getting buckets. He scored 10.7 points per game in just 23.4 minutes per game for the Pacers last season.
One of the more interesting names connected with the Hawks is Jae Crowder, who might find himself the odd man out in Boston.
Four-year deal for Hayward. Now it's likely Jae Crowder is on the trade market, Atlanta may be his next destination.
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) July 4, 2017
Crowder is on an unbelievable team friendly contract given his production. He is a relentless defender that has really developed a nice three point shot. Atlanta should have been looking to sign this guy when he was going cheap in free agency a couple of years ago. Now they will have to part ways with some assets if they want him.
Kelly Olynyk is another Celtic who will be looking for a new home.
Indiana and Atlanta on the short list of interested teams, I'm told https://t.co/zSw2oXp5QE
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) July 5, 2017
The Hawks interest in Olynyk is far from surprising. Besides his goofy appearance, he has actually been a really solid player for the Celtics over the past four seasons. He is a 7-footer that can really shoot the three and plays with his head.
And finally today, it was reported that the Hawks have expressed interest in Nerlens Noel.
The Hawks have shown interest in restricted free agent Nerlens Noel, according to sources. The Mavericks can match any offer sheet.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 5, 2017
Noel has proved to be a solid player so far in his NBA career, but it is clear there is a lot of untapped potential still there. He would give Atlanta a tremendously young starting five with a bunch of upside. However, the reality here is the Mavs have shown no signs of letting him walk and have all the funds in the world to keep him.
Atlanta also has a couple of restricted free agents of their own they seem to want to keep. Tim Hardaway Jr.’s market has been colder than expected. This has been the case for a lot of the restricted free agents this offseason. A deal between Hardaway Jr. and the Hawks makes sense. Atlanta has plenty of cap space and can match any offer.
Mike Muscala has received looks from several other teams, though Atlanta seems intent on keeping him. Moose has been a nice piece since being drafted in the second round. He knows the system well and will not cost very much. With the Hawks in a rebuilding phase do not be surprised if they match any offer for Muscala, providing it is sensible.