Add Milwaukee to the list of names linked to Kent Bazemore this summer:
Source: Kent Bazemore’s list of suitors also includes Milwaukee, who recently contacted the Hawks but initial trade talks didn’t get very far. Kent loves Atlanta, but would be open to a move to HOU/MIL since he knows both coaches well and would be joining a contender.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIkoNBA) August 7, 2018
The common connection here is obviously Coach Mike Budenholzer, who dashed to Milwaukee to escape a rebuild with the Hawks. Bazemore has been involved in trade talks all summer as Hawks general manager Travis Schlenk seeks to move his contract.
A deal that would make sense could include shipping Bazemore to the Bucks for the likes (and contracts) of John Henson and Matthew Dellavedova. If the Hawks can get a first rounder or a young player for this cost, it might be well be worth it. The Hawks would be paying the same amount of money and years in this scenario, just to two separate players whose contracts could be easier to eat individually. Plus, Delly and Henson would all but assure the Hawks a top 3 pick in this year’s draft.
It is worth mentioning that initial talks did not get far, but this is something to monitor going forward. One thing is for sure: the Hawks should probably sell on Bazemore while they can because his ceiling is not much higher than how he played last season.