RealGM

The Atlanta Hawks are engaged in serious internal discussions ahead of the Feb. 18 trade deadline about the future direction of their team and their core players, including three All-Stars from their historic 2014-15 team: Al Horford, Jeff Teague and Kyle Korver.

Sources with knowledge of the team's thinking say that Hawks management and ownership have conceded internally that unless Atlanta can recapture the magic of last season's run -- when it went 60-22 and claimed the East's top seed -- this season's team is a fringe contender.

This realization has prompted Atlanta to think long and hard about Horford...[the team] must decide whether to re-sign their big man to a hefty five-year deal, or try to move him now while they can get value.

Because of the anticipated demand, Horford is likely to receive offers up to the maximum amount, which would be $144.5 million over five years should he stay with the Hawks.

Under that kind of contract, Horford would turn 35 (and would earn $32.7 million) in the final year of the deal. Sources say...that figure has the Hawks' brass a bit skittish.

Should Horford remain with the Hawks through the conclusion of the season, a rival team could offer him a maximum of four years and $107.3 million.

Sources close to the organization emphasize that if the Hawks become active in the next week, it will not be to "blow it up," but rather an attempt to exchange their existing players for commensurate, if younger, talent.

Sources close to the Hawks feel that, at present, Budenholzer isn't inclined to dismantle a team less than nine months removed from a conference finals appearance.

But Budenholzer must now balance the short-term needs of competing nightly for a playoff spot with the long-term needs of having the table set for opening night 2019.

While staying the course might lead to nothing more than a second-round exit for the Hawks, the alternative demolition plan is fraught with complications.

Budenholzer regards Horford and Korver as essential to both what the Hawks do on the floor and the professionalism they've cultivated in the locker room.

PMOTT3 wrote:I'll believe it when I see it. Apparently the only known offer for Teague so far is George Hill and draft pick compensation. Probably Hill and a lottery protected future first for Teague.

PMOTT3 wrote:I don't understand why you would make the G. Hill trade in the first place. It doesn't solve our issue with needing a starting SF and it just re-creates the whole point guard dilemma of whether to start Hill or Dennis. And any 1st from Cleveland is basically just a 2nd. I know Korver is having a down year but we could do a lot better than that.

krakdol wrote:

PMOTT3 wrote:I don't understand why you would make the G. Hill trade in the first place. It doesn't solve our issue with needing a starting SF and it just re-creates the whole point guard dilemma of whether to start Hill or Dennis. And any 1st from Cleveland is basically just a 2nd. I know Korver is having a down year but we could do a lot better than that.

I say Burks to Atlanta, Hill to Utah, Teague to Indiana. Seems good for everybody.

Jamaaliver wrote:I am severely frustrated I'm not hearing Millsap's name in any trade rumors. He is easily the most valuable piece we have.

He's too old for us to build around, not good enough to carry us singlehandedly to contention. But on a good team, could easily move them over the hump to contender.

We should be starting a bidding war for his services. Combine Millsap and Horford in trade talks and some semi contender (Miami, BOSTON, HOU, LAC, TOR) would gladly over pay us for the chance to feature those guys in their lineup.

We waited too long on Teague and Horford before we started taking serious offers on them. We did the same with Josh Smith years ago...

don't make this mistake yet again. Millsap is really good, but he isn't a franchise talent. He alone can't get us to the promised land.

tiderulz wrote:many on the Magic would love Millsap. but you will hear that Dipo/Gordon/Hezonja would not be included, but that anything else would be open.

Jamaaliver wrote:

tiderulz wrote:many on the Magic would love Millsap. but you will hear that Dipo/Gordon/Hezonja would not be included, but that anything else would be open.

Understood. But I can't imagine we'd give up our best player without one of them. Hezonja or Oladipo in particular play positions of need.

We'd add value if it helps (Mike Scott, Kyle Korver, future picks)

But you won't get Millsap (I don't believe) without giving up one of those assets.

ATL Boy wrote:Nah there's no believe or don't believe about it, there's absolutely no chance of Orlando getting our best player while simultaneously keeping both Hezonja and Oladipo.