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Atlanta Hawks Waive Antonius Cleveland for Cap Space

By Chris Guest

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 07: Kevin Knox #20 of the New York Knicks is fouled by Antonius Cleveland #0 of the Atlanta Hawks during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 7, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 07: Kevin Knox #20 of the New York Knicks is fouled by Antonius Cleveland #0 of the Atlanta Hawks during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 7, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /
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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.

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.

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