Soaring Down South
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Where do the Atlanta Hawks go from Here?

By Justin Hodges

Mar 26, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) in action against the Brooklyn Nets in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) in action against the Brooklyn Nets in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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The future of the Atlanta Hawks may have just been decided.

In an unforeseen move by the team late last night, the Hawks traded Dwight Howard after just one season in Atlanta. The glorified homecoming for the future NBA Hall of Famer ended in absolute disarray. With this now all behind the team, the shift in direction of the Hawks’ future is evident.

Trading Howard in a salary dumping perspective is obvious, for what reasons remains unknown. The possibility of a counter-trade seems more plausible than it had before. With notable players swirling around the trade market it makes sense for the Atlanta Hawks to be extremely active on the phones.

The plan for Travis Schlenk could also resonate his confidence in acquiring free agents. Whether they’re stars or lesser known names, the purpose of dumping salary is to make room to sign potential free agents.

Atlanta Hawks
Apr 6, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) reacts after a play during their game against the Boston Celtics at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

In a more pessimistic point of view, this could well be the end of what was the greatest decade long run in franchise history. The Hawks, while through suffering mediocrity, have had a fantastic ten-year stretch in making the postseason for 10 consecutive seasons. An active streak, that is only behind the San Antonio Spurs, may very well come to an end next season.

While Atlanta has had two losing seasons within the ten-year playoff run, this looks to be the first full on rebuild since over a decade ago. Whether it is one that Travis Schlenk will look to end quickly or embrace for the next half-decade or so would all depend on what happens through the rest of the offseason.

Atlanta Hawks
Apr 28, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer reacts in the fourth quarter of their game against the Washington Wizards in game six of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

While the 31st pick in 2017 NBA Draft was dealt away, the Atlanta Hawks are still picking 19th in the first round. This pick becomes vitally important now, as the player selected will likely look to start immediately as a rookie. Whether it is a forward or guard, the team has to look to start heading back in the right direction starting with the draft.

Finally, what continues to be the most important decision of all, Paul Millsap’s free agency decision lies on the balance. For now, there has been no indication of what either side wishes to do. With some speculation and a grain of salt, the salary dumping of Dwight Howard could in turn lead to the end of the run for one of the best players in the history of the Atlanta Hawks. While the decision of Tim Hardaway Jr. remains up in the air, the likelihood of the Hawks retaining Paul Millsap simply seems unlikely now.

Wherever the front office goes from here will evidently decide the future of the franchise. While the team likely is looking to continue making moves to build the roster, there’s no question that the stability of the roster is now as shook as it has been in a long time.