Despite making a great move to get Dejounte Murray an All-Star last summer, the Atlanta Hawks managed to take a small step back. The Hawks finished just 41-41, and while they pushed the Boston Celtics into Game 7 in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, they still have a long way to go before they battle for the title.
And to their credit, they’re trying to take the next step this summer. According to NBA Insider Marc Stein, the Atlanta Hawks were discussing a potential trade for Toronto Raptors All-Star Pascal Siakam. So far, Toronto has refused to transfer their best player, but it seems clear that he is available at the right price. At the moment DeAndre Hunter and John Collins or Clint Capela were offered but it wasn’t enough to entice the Raptors.
Atlanta’s decision to pursue Siakam is an interesting one as there were rumors that they were considering trading Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Now, they seem intent on forming a big three. Adding Siacam would certainly be huge for the Falcons, but even if they land him, it would seem short-term. He and Murray are set to become unrestricted free agents next summer, and re-signing them could cost $250 million over four years.
Factor in Young’s contract, which will pay him an average of $47 million over the next four seasons, and the Hawks will be among the most expensive teams in the NBA. However, despite their pursuit of Siakam, they are simultaneously trying to evade paying the luxury tax next season. Go and deduce.
Atlanta could land Pascal Siakam, but it may require them to choose between their stars.
Perhaps, instead of forming a Big Three with Young, Murray, and Siakam, Atlanta might include Murray in the deal alongside Cabella. Doing so could be beneficial for both teams, with the Hawks being able to make up Siakam’s entire salary for next season and out Kabila, who they have a replacement in Onyeka Okongo.
They will also get the MVP of the deal, which increases his chances of being re-signed. For Toronto, they will need a replacement for Fred VanVleet at guard position, and Murray will provide him. The same is true of Capella, which may be a cheaper alternative to Jacob Bueltel.
In this case, a deal may actually be executed, allowing both teams to improve and save money. With the free agency start just days away, the Hawks should be motivated to get a deal done as soon as possible, but we’ll have to wait a little longer to see if Toronto is really ready to move on from Siakam.
- Posted on 06/26/2023 at 13:00 PM
- Last updated on 06/26/2023 at 07:06 AM