:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63947879/910811638.jpg.0.jpg)
The Atlanta Hawks could provide a lifeline to organizations looking to shed salary this summer. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Hawks will once again entertain trade discussions that involve the exchange of assets for cap relief.
The Hawks could be a destination for contract dumps once again, sources said. Atlanta also has interest in potentially re-signing free agent center Dewayne Dedmon to a balloon one-year deal, according to sources — or a shorter-term contract like the two-year, $14 million deal he signed in 2017.
Currently, the Hawks are only on the hook for $57 million in committed salary for the 2019-20 season.
The Trail Blazers, who are facing several tough decisions this summer, could emerge as a potential trade partner for the right price. Armed with a handful of expiring contracts and the No. 25 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, it is possible that Portland could strike a deal with Atlanta.
If the Blazers decide to put the No. 25 pick on the table, they won’t be the only team willing to part with a first-round selection. Charania also revealed that the Thunder are already engaged in talks regarding the No. 21 pick.
The Thunder have had multiple conversations with various teams about using their No. 21 pick in a trade to reduce team salary and relieve financial pressure, league sources said.
You can read Charania’s full story at The Athletic (subscription required).