Should the Atlanta Hawks pursue Montrezl Harrell in 2020 free agency

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 22: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts during the second quarter of a game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on January 22, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 22: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts during the second quarter of a game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on January 22, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
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Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images

What would Montrezl Harrell cost

As every player who has humble beginnings and transforms into a borderline All-Star, Montrezl Harrell will want to get a big pay day this summer.

His earned the following amounts his first five years in the Association:

  • 2015-16: $1,000,000
  • 2016-17: $1,045,000
  • 2017-18: $1,471,382
  • 2018-19: $6,000,000
  • 2019-20: $6,000,000

It’s understandable that with current career-high averages of 19.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game that Harrell would live to be compensated fairly for his stellar play.

If the Clippers still have Harrell on their roster past the deadline, then they will likely be willing to pay whatever it takes to keep him, rather than lose him for nothing. They have his bird rights, but they still need to be cautious of how close they are to the hard cap.

A fair offer for Harrell would be around $17,000,000 a year for four years. If he is at this price, the Clippers will more than likely do everything in their power to retain Harrell and his services. That means if the Atlanta Hawks really want Harrell, they’re going to have to dig deep into their wallet.

The team luckily has the flexibility to allow slight over-pays. To convince Harrell to leave what he’s helped build in LA, the Hawks might need to throw as much as $23,000,000 a year for four years at the 6’7 big.