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Atlanta Hawks Free Agency Tier List: Small Forwards

By Dallin Duffy

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 07: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on before an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 7, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kim Klement - Pool/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 07: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on before an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 7, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kim Klement - Pool/Getty Images) /
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Ranking small forwards the Atlanta Hawks could sign this off-season.

With the most cap space in the league and a desire to reverse their losing ways, the Atlanta Hawks will likely be major players in free agency. Whenever that opens up.

Here, we’ll be digging into the class of small forwards set to hit the open market after taking a look at the guards last weekend. De’Andre Hunter was the team’s primary starting three last season but the consensus seems to be that he’ll work best as a backup, perhaps even as a backup power forward.

If they don’t want to add even more youth and find a new wing through the draft, the Atlanta Hawks have a plethora of options to sign via free agency.

NBA Free Agency Tier List: Small Forwards

Searching for a big payday:

Although I’ve written in the past that Ingram would be a fantastic fit in Atlanta and it’s feasible for the team to pull off a sign-and-trade for him, Ingram seems likes he’s staying put in New Orleans.

High-end role players:

I don’t suspect either of these two to opt-out of what would be a very lucrative final year of their respective contracts, but both would look good in the Hawks’ new uniforms. Hayward would be a big boost to the team’s offense while Porter could be a much needed defensive anchor.

Young (and thus, pricey) studs:

Grant’s defensive ability makes him one of the best targets on this list, but it will also make him a target to be overpaid. Josh Jackson, the former fourth overall pick who started last season in the G-League suddenly played like the player he was in college last year and will be an unrestricted free agent at the ripe age of 23.

Proven vets:

While the 2019-20 Hawks were all offense and no defense, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has been no offense, all defense his entire career. Maybe that’s an oversimplification, but MKG would certainly help Atlanta’s porous D

End of the bench guys:

As you can see, the market for small forwards falls off pretty quickly, but some of these guys are worth rostering for, if nothing else, injury protection and veteran leadership.

Low-risk fliers:

Bacon had a great sophomore season for Charlotte but struggled so much as a third-year Hornet he had to spend some time in the G-League. A new system could greatly benefit the 25-year-old.

Other noteworthy names:

Jeff Green, who has seemingly played everywhere, hasn’t played for the Atlanta Hawks yet. Could he fill the Vince Carter role?

Atlanta Hawks Free Agency Tiers: Shooting Guards. dark. Next

What small forwards should the Atlanta Hawks target this fall?