Chuck's Team of the Day, May 18 - Atlanta Hawks

[loserX]

As part of our continuing series, and to provide avenues for proposals and discussion, we are going to be nominating "Teams of the Day" every Monday, Wednesday and Friday until we've cycled through all 30 teams. It's nothing formal, just a chance to pick a team and ask: how would you run their offseason?

Do they need any additions to the front office? What should their outlook be for 2016-17? How should they approach the draft, and trades, and free agency?

Today's team is the Atlanta Hawks, a team with a lot of decisions to make. Here's one take; additions are in bold.

FRONT OFFICE/OUTLOOK

So close...Atlanta has put together a good team the past couple of years, but keep running into LeBuzzsaw in the playoffs, and now their future is cloudy. Two key players are free agents this year, and several more are free agents next year. Should the team be trying to bring everyone back and hope for a different result? Dive to the bottom instead? Go in a different direction?

Mike Budenholzer has the reins *and* the clipboard in Atlanta...he's done a great job as coach, and we're still learning about his abilities in the FO. We can't cut him off at the knees while keeping him on the sidelines, so no point in (or need for) making a change here.

ROSTER

There are a lot of different ways this summer can go. Is Horford coming back? What about Bazemore? If they do, can we expect a different result next time we play Cleveland? If they don't, what should we do?

I think it's certainly worth talking to Horford, but he is going to be *heavily* pursued (numerous teams have already made him their top priority!) and to be honest I don't think we can count on him coming back...and there aren't really a lot of FAs in the market that could replace him and be worth it. (Dwight is actually a possibility, but I'm going in a different direction.)

With Schroeder starting to assume the PG mantle, I think it's time to start again. We have some win-now assets that we can cash in for value before their contracts expire.

TRADE

Atlanta trades Paul Millsap and Thabo Sefolosha for #9, 2017 pick (lotto protected), Patrick Patterson and Terrence Ross
Toronto trades #9, 2017 pick, Patterson and Ross for Millsap and Sefolosha

The Raps are the perfect team for a Millsap deal: a win-now team with a high draft pick. They get the perfect PF for their system and a 3&D wing to go along with him.

The Hawks get two picks and a replacement PF for the expiring Millsap; Ross is worth a look and I'd love to see if Coach Bud can work the same magic on him that he did on Baze. His contract will be little impediment to a team going cheap most everywhere else.

TRADE

Atlanta trades Jeff Teague and Tim Hardaway Jr. for CJ Watson, 2017 pick from Indiana (top 20 protected), 2017 pick from Orlando, 2019 pick from LA Lakers
Indiana trades George Hill, 2017 pick (top 20 protected) for Jeff Teague and Tim Hardaway Jr.
Orlando trades CJ Watson, 2017 pick, 2019 pick from LA Lakers for George Hill

Atlanta moves on from Teague, picking up a useful backup PG and *three* first rounders, though none are expected to be especially high. (We've already got three picks in the 2016 draft so deferring these picks makes a lot of sense.)

Indiana gets a new PG, better suited to the uptempo game that Bird wants to play, and an extra bench guard with some scoring ability.

Frank Vogel gets his old PG back...Hill can defend and shoot, and his ability to play off-ball means he can be slotted in next to any one of the young guards Orlando already has. (It's late and I had a lot of trouble balancing this trade...it may look awful in the morning )

DRAFT

We now have #9, #21 and #50. But wait!

Atlanta trades #9, Minnesota 2018 pick returned
Minnesota trades #5

The Hawks need to make a splash, and with so many picks now owned they can cash one in to move into the top 5. Minnesota might as well move down anyway to pick up a PF (Chriss? Ellenson? Deyonta Davis?) and get back that pick instead of having it hang over them for 2 more years.

#5 - Jamal Murray a shooting guard with a sweet shot and some good passing abilities, which should suit Budenholzer's motion offence very well. He's not particularly explosive, but that's not such a limitation in Bud-ball in any case. Should make a great backcourt with Schroeder for years to come.

#21 - Damian Jones a massive C with speed out to the perimeter. Needs work (most guys do in this range in the draft) but could become a solid inside player to go with our young guards. (We could also take an international, but that just adds to the number of rookies we have to break in come 2017.)

#50 - Robert Carter a face-the-basket 4 with a nice diverse skillset, including range and touch on his jumper. The question is his motor, so we'll see if Bud can get the best out of him. Certainly worth a look at this point in the draft.

FREE AGENCY

Assuming Horford and Baze walk, we actually have quite a lot of capspace, but as we enter a rebuild (and with SO MUCH cap out there) there aren't going to be a lot of prime candidates taking our money. Let's offer Gerald Henderson the "Kwame Brown special": we'll give you a bunch of money as long as you keep it to one guaranteed year.

Henderson can still defend and help us out on the perimeter, but this is as much a move about making the salary floor as anything else. We can also offer Isaiah Canaan the third PG spot because why not, and let's put in a bid on Tyler Zeller to compete for some minutes at C. (If Boston decides to match, though I suspect they'd rather spend their money on upgrades, we can take a run at Miles Plumlee instead.)

FINAL ROSTER

Splitter/Zeller/Damian Jones
Patrick Patterson/Scott/Robert Carter
Kyle Korver/Terrence Ross
Jamal Murray/Gerald Henderson/Lamar Patterson
Schroeder/Watson/Canaan

This is still a bit transitional...I don't think we need to trade ALL our veterans right away. Korver and Splitter can help make life easier for our kids, and we can certainly offer them around at the deadline if we like. (Korver for sure will always be tradeable as long as he stays healthy!) And in the meantime, once again, they can help us meet the salary floor.

Come 2017 we'll have a boatload of picks (in a better draft) and can start building around Schroeder and Murray in earnest.

Thoughts? Is rebuilding the right move? Did I go far enough? Should Toronto be paying more for Millsap/Thabo? (I struggled with that also, went back and forth on it.)

Comments welcome, or post your own thread

[Texas Chuck]

I gotta say I didn't expect this--tho I certainly think its a viable option.

I don't feel like that's nearly enough value for Milsap. I'd want something better than the #9 as the centerpiece. Patterson is a nice player but in a rebuild I'd want more. Teague trade is fine. Really like the Minnesota trade for both.

Draft is solid.

In free agency tho if my only concern is getting to the cap floor, then I'd like to go Hinkie here and help create cap space for other teams while moving up towards the floor. And if the deals aren't there now, I'd simply hold the space so I can get compensated for facilitating deals at the deadline. Nothing against Henderson and I actually like the idea of adding an inexpensive young center. But I guess if I'm going this route I'd rather add vets via trade.

And finally I'm cool with keeping some vets, but I'd want to do right by Korver. I'd try and find a way to get him to a team he'd like as long as I got at least a little value back.

[jayu70]

Not enough for Millsap as Patterson is also expiring for a rebuild and I don't like Ross's contract.
Not enough for Teague - it's basically CJ Watson (32 years) because those picks aren't worth much for a rebuild.
How does Indy get Teague and Hardaway for a 30 year old expiring GHill and a top 20 protected pick?

[Kevin6CD]

How much is Atlanta going to want for Korver if they go this route?

[jayu70]

How much is Atlanta going to want for Korver if they go this route?

Korver by himself won't get much, combining him in a package makes the most sense.
He would have greater value to vet team which means a late 1st.

[loserX]

In free agency tho if my only concern is getting to the cap floor, then I'd like to go Hinkie here and help create cap space for other teams while moving up towards the floor. And if the deals aren't there now, I'd simply hold the space so I can get compensated for facilitating deals at the deadline. Nothing against Henderson and I actually like the idea of adding an inexpensive young center.

That's certainly one way to go...I'm just not sure it's feasible. There is SO MUCH capspace available...how many teams are going to need to dump anything? When it comes to cap there are going to be a lot of sellers (especially with a weak FA crop) and almost no buyers. Even if Atlanta does manage to get in on the party, they're not going to have the leverage to demand much.

I suppose if I'm going long-rebuild at least we'd have the advantage that we might be willing to take bad *long-term* deals if the price were right.

[Kevin6CD]

How much is Atlanta going to want for Korver if they go this route?

Korver by himself won't get much, combining him in a package makes the most sense.
He would have greater value to vet team which means a late 1st.

If the Hawks do rebuild, I'd love to see Detroit make a run at him. If it's just a deal for Korver, would they take a 2nd and one of Hilliard/Bullock or is that too light? Certainly wouldn't give up #18 for him, unless we got another asset along with him.

[Texas Chuck]

In free agency tho if my only concern is getting to the cap floor, then I'd like to go Hinkie here and help create cap space for other teams while moving up towards the floor. And if the deals aren't there now, I'd simply hold the space so I can get compensated for facilitating deals at the deadline. Nothing against Henderson and I actually like the idea of adding an inexpensive young center.

That's certainly one way to go...I'm just not sure it's feasible. There is SO MUCH capspace available...how many teams are going to need to dump anything? When it comes to cap there are going to be a lot of sellers (especially with a weak FA crop) and almost no buyers. Even if Atlanta does manage to get in on the party, they're not going to have the leverage to demand much.

I suppose if I'm going long-rebuild at least we'd have the advantage that we might be willing to take bad *long-term* deals if the price were right.

I agree you can't get the return the Jazz once got from the Warriors or the Sixers got from multiple teams. But I do think there are still teams who would like to create more space this summer and I'm not sure we have as many teams willing to sell space--at least not at the start of the summer. Here are the candidates I see as of right now:

Brooklyn should try and go this route and that's literally the only team in the East I see potentially looking to use their space for assets and even they might go win now with their pick situation.
Maybe Memphis does that if they lose Conley? Maybe the Lakers if they strike out on the top free agents? Maybe Phoenix finally does the right thing and tries to build slowly?

I just don't see a lot of teams at the start of free agency willing to take on contracts. I think most teams will be actively trying to improve their team. Maybe they switch plans once the first few tiers of free agents fall off the board, but...

But you could add some minor pick assets or moderate prospects I would think.

[jayjaysee]

Not enough for Millsap as Patterson is also expiring for a rebuild and I don't like Ross's contract.

I agree, need more value.. Something more than just the Raps 2017 pick since this trade sets the Raps up to put up a better fight against the Cavs.

Not enough for Teague - it's basically CJ Watson (32 years) because those picks aren't worth much for a rebuild.

CJ Watson is why Teague gets the return he does... The 2017 Orlando pick isn't valuable? The 2019 Laker pick isn't valuable? To a team entering the first year of a rebuild setting up a pipeline is huge.

Alone Teague gets what 8? 9? in this draft? This trade gets the Hawks three future firsts. The Magic and Laker picks are question marks, I'd rather two question marks and a late first than Sabonis.

How does Indy get Teague and Hardaway for a 30 year old expiring GHill and a top 20 protected pick?

Because Teague is worth a bit more than Hill and a top 20 protected pick is worth a bit more than Hardaway.

But - I think Pacers do that trade, but Orlando doesn't. Although they've been rebuilding long enough, I don't think they are in a position to trade for "elite roleplayers" (love that term) like George Hill.. Signing guys like that makes sense, but trading market price for them doesn't imo. The Magic still need to find a cornerstone. Maybe Mario is, maybe AG is, hey maybe Dipo or Elfird or Evan is... But as of now the Magic don't have one.. No reason to trade for 3rd-4th options while you don't have 1-2 imo.

[Hawk Eye]

I can't speak for all Hawks fans but I am very pro-tank and rebuild. After suffering through years of mediocrity and watching this team get swept back to back years by Cleveland it is time for serious changes so I can really appreciate your views here.

Like the others, I don't see that package being enough for Millsap. Wes and Bud aren't trading him for anything less than a "knock your socks off offer". Something like a high pick and prospect package.

I really don't know what Teague could fetch us at this point. Bud initially wanted a 1st and a young player for him so idk if that's still the asking price or not.

Draft looks good. Knowing Bud and his fetish for shooting I would imagine he would take Hield over Murray at #5. Personally, id be fine with either.

[tiderulz]

TRADE

Atlanta trades Jeff Teague and Tim Hardaway Jr. for CJ Watson, 2017 pick from Indiana (top 20 protected), 2017 pick from Orlando, 2019 pick from LA Lakers
Indiana trades George Hill, 2017 pick (top 20 protected) for Jeff Teague and Tim Hardaway Jr.
Orlando trades CJ Watson, 2017 pick, 2019 pick from LA Lakers for George Hill

Orlando isnt trading 2 picks for one year of George Hill. He doesnt have that value. They will need those picks to infuse cheap talent, as they are going to be spending big money on FA's real soon.

[bdpecore]

How much is Atlanta going to want for Korver if they go this route?

Korver by himself won't get much, combining him in a package makes the most sense.
He would have greater value to vet team which means a late 1st.

If the Hawks do rebuild, I'd love to see Detroit make a run at him. If it's just a deal for Korver, would they take a 2nd and one of Hilliard/Bullock or is that too light? Certainly wouldn't give up #18 for him, unless we got another asset along with him.

Maybe Korver and #21 for #18? Detroit moves back 3 spots to add Korver. I think the value of players in the 18-25 range are all pretty similar but this does allow Atlanta to move up to get someone they might be targeting.

[jayu70]

How much is Atlanta going to want for Korver if they go this route?

Korver by himself won't get much, combining him in a package makes the most sense.
He would have greater value to vet team which means a late 1st.

If the Hawks do rebuild, I'd love to see Detroit make a run at him. If it's just a deal for Korver, would they take a 2nd and one of Hilliard/Bullock or is that too light? Certainly wouldn't give up #18 for him, unless we got another asset along with him.

Korver would be a great fit in Detroit and with Stan. #18 sounds a lot and a 2nd and Hilliard sounds light.
What about Korver, Mike Muscala (or Mike Scott) and 2nd (Hawks have 2 this year) for #18.
Muscala is a shooting big from mid range and from 3 (didn't see one on your roster) and can play the 4 or 5. Will spread the floor for Drummond. Active, gets a lot of tips balls but can't grab the board. Needs to add strength which would help.

[jayu70]

Korver by himself won't get much, combining him in a package makes the most sense.
He would have greater value to vet team which means a late 1st.

If the Hawks do rebuild, I'd love to see Detroit make a run at him. If it's just a deal for Korver, would they take a 2nd and one of Hilliard/Bullock or is that too light? Certainly wouldn't give up #18 for him, unless we got another asset along with him.

Maybe Korver and #21 for #18? Detroit moves back 3 spots to add Korver. I think the value of players in the 18-25 range are all pretty similar but this does allow Atlanta to move up to get someone they might be targeting.

Too much to move up just 3 spots, especially since
Like you said similar players in those ranges.

[bdpecore]

If the Hawks do rebuild, I'd love to see Detroit make a run at him. If it's just a deal for Korver, would they take a 2nd and one of Hilliard/Bullock or is that too light? Certainly wouldn't give up #18 for him, unless we got another asset along with him.

Maybe Korver and #21 for #18? Detroit moves back 3 spots to add Korver. I think the value of players in the 18-25 range are all pretty similar but this does allow Atlanta to move up to get someone they might be targeting.

Too much to move up just 3 spots, especially since
Like you said similar players in those ranges.

I don't think its to far fetched to think Atlanta is in love with a player available at #18 and make the move to get him. Especially if someone who was projected to go in the late lottery falls. To me once you get past the top 8 its all a crap shoot on who you like more and why.

[jayu70]

Maybe Korver and #21 for #18? Detroit moves back 3 spots to add Korver. I think the value of players in the 18-25 range are all pretty similar but this does allow Atlanta to move up to get someone they might be targeting.

Too much to move up just 3 spots, especially since
Like you said similar players in those ranges.

Atlanta would really have to be in love with a player available at #18 to make the move which is possible if someone who projected to go in the late lottery falls. To me once you get past the top 8 its all a crap shoot on who you like more and why.

True.

[Kevin6CD]

Korver by himself won't get much, combining him in a package makes the most sense.
He would have greater value to vet team which means a late 1st.

If the Hawks do rebuild, I'd love to see Detroit make a run at him. If it's just a deal for Korver, would they take a 2nd and one of Hilliard/Bullock or is that too light? Certainly wouldn't give up #18 for him, unless we got another asset along with him.

Korver would be a great fit in Detroit and with Stan. #18 sounds a lot and a 2nd and Hilliard sounds light.
What about Korver, Mike Muscala (or Mike Scott) and 2nd (Hawks have 2 this year) for #18.
Muscala is a shooting big from mid range and from 3 (didn't see one on your roster) and can play the 4 or 5. Will spread the floor for Drummond. Active, gets a lot of tips balls but can't grab the board. Needs to add strength which would help.

Would take more thinking, but I'd probably do Korver, Scott and 44 for 18. Maybe they take the last year of Meeks off our hands too?

[jayu70]

If the Hawks do rebuild, I'd love to see Detroit make a run at him. If it's just a deal for Korver, would they take a 2nd and one of Hilliard/Bullock or is that too light? Certainly wouldn't give up #18 for him, unless we got another asset along with him.

Korver would be a great fit in Detroit and with Stan. #18 sounds a lot and a 2nd and Hilliard sounds light.
What about Korver, Mike Muscala (or Mike Scott) and 2nd (Hawks have 2 this year) for #18.
Muscala is a shooting big from mid range and from 3 (didn't see one on your roster) and can play the 4 or 5. Will spread the floor for Drummond. Active, gets a lot of tips balls but can't grab the board. Needs to add strength which would help.

Would take more thinking, but I'd probably do Korver, Scott and 44 for 18. Maybe they take the last year of Meeks off our hands too?

Pass on Meeks, Hawks need all their capspace.

[Kevin6CD]

Korver would be a great fit in Detroit and with Stan. #18 sounds a lot and a 2nd and Hilliard sounds light.
What about Korver, Mike Muscala (or Mike Scott) and 2nd (Hawks have 2 this year) for #18.
Muscala is a shooting big from mid range and from 3 (didn't see one on your roster) and can play the 4 or 5. Will spread the floor for Drummond. Active, gets a lot of tips balls but can't grab the board. Needs to add strength which would help.

Would take more thinking, but I'd probably do Korver, Scott and 44 for 18. Maybe they take the last year of Meeks off our hands too?

Pass on Meeks, Hawks need all their capspace.

Trading for Korver is predicated on the Hawks rebuilding. Not sure they'd pass on turning a mid-2nd into a 1st over one year at $6M for a guy who they could deal at the deadline if he stays healthy.

[babyjax13]

I think you can get some value for Korver as well. I agree that they should rebuild.