With multiple news stories piling up, a smaller bit of transactional movement popped up earlier this afternoon regarding Antonius Cleveland.
The Atlanta Hawks have reportedly waived Antonius Cleveland, who was signed last season to a multi-year deal after two 10-day deals were given to Cleveland during the 2017-18 season.
As I reported was coming, the Hawks have waived Antonius Cleveland.
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) July 21, 2018
Cleveland was always meant to be a long-term piece and somewhat of a project, as his natural athleticism and size were certainly attractive to GM Travis Schlenk when he seemed to give Cleveland his vote of approval last year as a potential important rotation piece for the Hawks going forward.
Instead, ahead of the still-pending Dennis Schröder/Carmelo Anthony deal, the Hawks needed to slice off a little more cap space to make sure the deal is actually possible.
First, Jaylen Morris was waived by the team late last week ahead of the reported three-team deal.
Cleveland joins the ranks of players jettisoned ahead of the announcement of the still-pending Hawks/Thunder/76ers deal. Like Morris, Cleveland’s $1.4 million 2018-19 salary was non-guaranteed, so the Hawks could waive him with no worry over what sort of a buyout to give him.
During the Utah and Las Vegas Summer Leagues, Cleveland was a major part of the roster – operating as a sizable and swift-footed wing defender as well as playing up and working himself into some stretch-four scenarios.
Again, his athleticism and positional versatility was always an attractive part of his game, but his complete lack of a jump shot and low-level feel meant that he would not fit on a Hawks roster that looks as if it’s loaded with threatening three-point jump shooters.
It is quite likely that Cleveland will be given a training camp invite, much like Morris, as Schlenk must’ve seen something in both of them last year to give them a chance in the league. Our guess? This isn’t the last we’ve heard of Antonius Cleveland.
Next: Hawks Projected Starting Lineup for 18-19 Season
Keep it locked to Soaring Down South for all your Hawks and rapid reaction to any more transactions the team makes.