7 Awful Contracts the Hawks Could Take On for Draft Picks
By Chris Guest
![CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 18: Joakim Noah #13 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on December 18, 2017 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 18: Joakim Noah #13 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on December 18, 2017 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/61a6babcf6eccea162303f2b6d41b953a2827459e63fc34446a8b8d239060be0.jpg)
Meyers Leonard, 4 years/$41 million
Despite being in the league for six seasons, Meyers Leonard of the Portland Trail Blazers is still only 26 and has shown a knack for being a jump-shooting big man at 7’1” at the center position.
Though he produced solid numbers during his first few seasons, he fell completely out of the rotation in 2017-18, in which he played a career-low 254 minutes. This insipid showing came just two years after signing a massive 4 year/$41 million deal with the Blazers
The Blazers have the full battery of their first-round picks and also have a bevy of second-rounders in the coming years. Portland will likely be looking to unload some bad money (Leonard definitely qualifies) in order to retool the roster around Damian Lillard after a disappointing first-round playoff exit.
The Hawks would gladly take the final two years of Leonard in order to procure a first-rounder from the Blazers, if they’re willing to pony up.