Ranking 7 Hawks from least to most likely to be traded to shed salary
By Tyler Watts
4. Saddiq Bey
The Hawks gave up five second-round picks to acquire Bey at the trade deadline, but his minutes and production took a dip during his time with Atlanta. They need wing depth, and Bey is set to make just $4.5 million next season, but he will soon be a lot more expensive.
The 24-year-old becomes a restricted free agent in 2025, and he will be searching for a significant raise. At worst, he will settle for the mid-level exception, which is up to $12.2 million next season. The Hawks cannot afford an additional $8 million per year, so it is decision time to what to do with Bey.
Atlanta could extend him, let him play out his rookie contract, and attempt to trade him next summer, but that would be a significant gamble. Multiple teams will be looking to shed salary and cap space is unlikely to be abundant. The Hawks could end up in the second tax apron or having to pay a significant price to shed salary.
Do not be surprised to hear Saddiq Bey’s name on the trade market this summer. The Atlanta Hawks would love to keep him, but that would mean trading off a significant salary this summer. That won’t be easy, but the Hawks have multiple options.