Atlanta Hawks: Impact of a potential Kevin Huerter extension
The Atlanta Hawks are in the middle of a productive offseason. Summer League can be an interesting time because teams are represented by any number of personnel, from players to coaches and even top-level executives. That personnel can be a little more forthcoming with information amid all of the positive vibes.
Recently we heard from CEO Steve Koonin regarding Cam Reddish’s absence.
We also learned that Onyeka Okongu is expected back by February pushing his return about a month from what was originally believed.
The Atlanta Hawks have their sights set on an extension for Kevin Huerter
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This time, Travis Schlenk spoke with Sarah K. Spencer of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on a wide variety of topics.
Among them were first impressions of the draft picks, plans for the roster ahead of the season — they’re staying with 14 players — and a tidbit about Kevin Huerter.
Schlenk said that the Hawks are “going to get into deeper dialogue next week” with regards to an extension for the sharpshooting wing before adding, “Our intention is to try and get something done with Kevin, for sure.”
We’ve talked about how the extensions for Trae Young and John Collins would put the onus on Huerter next and what a deal would look like — somewhere between $15-$20 million.
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With an extension, the Hawks salary-cap future becomes more constrained. Some have hypothesized they could move Cam Reddish to “reset the clock” on a contract.
But we have long maintained the better route would be to move one of their pricey vets for draft capital, cap relief, or even another young asset. Schlenk cited the luxury tax as a reason they will go with a 14-man roster for the time being.
One name that has already been involved in potential trades this offseason, Danilo Gallinari. The 6-foot-10 forward is set to make over $20 million this year and next, but only $5 million of his salary is guaranteed in 2022.
Reports were the Timberwolves were interested but nothing has materialized to this point.
Clint Capela might seem to make the most sense after Gallinari. He’ll make $17.1 million next season and $18.2 million the following year.
But Bogdan Bogdanovic could be a more likely candidate to be moved.
He too will make $18 million next season and the year after with the option for a third year and another $18 million. After what he showed during the playoffs, a young team could view him as a steadying veteran just as the Hawks did.
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Surely the Hawks would love to pay and retain everyone. But if they are able to fetch an asset or flexibility before losing one of their vets for nothing in free agency, it would make sense to do so. This is the price of drafting well but it’s a good position to be in.