If the Atlanta Hawks want to pour more resources into pending unrestricted free agent Caris LeVert, they could face stiffer competition than some might expect.
Despite joining the team late in the season, LeVert quickly became a valued part of the Hawks’ rotation. LeVert ranked fourth in minutes and points per game on the team after the All-Star break.
His efforts landed him the 18th spot on ESPN’s Kevin Pelton’s free agent rankings.
“After playing a smaller role in Cleveland this past season due in part to Jerome's emergence, LeVert was dealt to Atlanta in February as the Cavaliers added De'Andre Hunter at the deadline. LeVert was productive for the Hawks as they reached the play-in tournament,” Pelton wrote on May 25. “LeVert also has developed into a quality perimeter defender, using his length at 6-foot-6.”
LeVert averaged 14.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, while his 58.3% true shooting mark gave him a career-high 58.2% clip for the season.
For his part, LeVert is open to staying.
Caris LeVert review makes Hawks' decision clearer
“We’ll see. I love this situation that I’m in right now. I love this team,” the free-agent-to-be told HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto in an interview published in March. “The staff has welcomed me with open arms.
“I feel pretty comfortable here. Like I always tell them, I’d love to re-sign here. My focus right now is the rest of the season and making the playoffs. It’s definitely something I’d want.”
The Hawks are also expected to pursue a new deal with LeVert, or at least they were.
Before the departure of Landry Fields, the expectation was Clint Capela would likely move on this summer in free agency, and the organization wanted to re-sign Caris LeVert and Larry Nance Jr.,” HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto wrote on May 14.
“After a decision on a potential president, the organization can move forward with its roster decisions.”
The Hawks are also quietly rich with assets and other means to upgrade their roster if they wish.
“Besides … two first-round picks, the Hawks have the flexibility to use their $14.1 million non-tax mid-level exception and still be active in the trade market,” ESPN’s Bobby Marks, a former executive with the Brooklyn Nets, wrote in April. Atlanta also has the $5.1 million biannual, veteran minimum and four trade exceptions ($25.3 million, $13.1 million, $3.7 million and $3.5 million).”
The question is how much the Hawks actually want to spend, which also indicates how far away they believe their roster is from competing in the Eastern Conference. Their hire for president of basketball operations will be telling. That is, if they hire one.