In eight days we will find out if Kent Bazemore is ultimately moved to another team. According to several sources, there are many teams interested, and the Hawks have made him available. Bazemore is averaging 14.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 27.4 minutes per contest. The veteran guard has been a constant contributor during his time in Atlanta, but as the Hawks look towards the future, ridding of his contract while simultaneously adding assets makes the most sense for both sides.
The Atlanta Hawks trade Shooting Guard Kent Bazemore to the Houston Rockets for Point Guard Brandon Knight and Houston’s 2020 lottery protected 1st round pick.
The Rockets have long coveted Kent Bazemore, as they tried to sign him when he was a free agent back in 2016, and are feeling repercussions of losing Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute this past offseason. As they gear up for another deep playoff run, they will need more competent players around their superstar guard tandem of James Harden and Chris Paul. Enter Kent Bazemore, who can affect the game in so many ways and doesn’t need the ball to do so, which is critical when playing with Harden and Paul
Brandon Knight recently came back from a season-ending injury before being traded to Houston. In 12 appearances he is averaging 3.0 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists. Should Jeremy Lin be moved as well by February 7th, Knight can become the Hawks backup point guard, allowing him to audition for a role in Atlanta or another team in the future.
Like Bazemore, Knight has two years left on his contract. Stockpiling picks in a rebuild is the number one goal, and since the Cavaliers 2019 1st isn’t going to covet any time soon, obtaining the Rockets 1st will aid the team in speeding up the rebuilding process.
The Atlanta Hawks trade Shooting Guard Kent Bazemore to the Portland Trailblazers for shooting guard/small forward Evan Turner, Power Forward Caleb Swanigan, and Portland’s 2020 lottery protected 1st round pick.
The Portland Trailblazers are hitting their stride, and to make it past the first round of the playoffs, they will need more firepower on both ends of the court. Kent Bazemore has proven to be that guy after four seasons with the Hawks. This trade also sheds Evan Turner’s contract, who while being a decent player, hasn’t lived up to his billing in Portland. Bazemore could be the Blazers go-to player off the bench, or a starter on the wing, and help the Trail Blazers sneak into the second round and perhaps even further.
Evan Turner’s contract is not suitable for any team due to his lack of consistent production. The Hawks are one of a few teams that can afford to keep him until his contract ends while letting their younger players develop. Caleb Swanigan who was drafted 26th overall in the 2017 NBA draft hasn’t panned out for Portland, but under Lloyd Pierce’s tutelage, Swanigan has the opportunity to become a contributor on a developing Hawks team with minutes to go around.
The Atlanta Hawks trade Shooting Guard Kent Bazemore to the Indiana Pacers for Point Guard Cory Joseph, Center Kyle O’Quinn, Alize Johnson, and Indiana’s 2020 first round pick.
The Indiana Pacers could use another shooting guard on the roster after Victor Oladipo went down with a season-ending injury. Tyreke Evans could step in as the starter, or the Pacers could bring in Bazemore to do the job. Regardless, adding Bazemore would solidify the Pacers 2nd unit, while not taking away much from their starting lineup, in hopes of salvaging their season.
Cory Joseph would assume the backup point guard role should Jeremy Lin be traded. His expiring contract gives the Atlanta Hawks flexibility in the offseason. Kyle O’Quinn would be a prime buyout candidate as he is looking to contribute to a contender, and Alize Johnson would also be waived.