The season is nearing, and the Atlanta Hawks are comfortable with where they're at.
Does that mean they'll stop looking to improve? No. President of Basketball Operations Onsi Saleh is always on the clock. If there's something undeniable about this regime, though, it's that they've got a lot of faith in their core - one that includes a very underrated center room.
The group, like everyone else in the league, has their own set of disadvantages. Making a late-summer play for a massive frontcourt shakeup, however, would prove to be unwise.
The good news for Hawks fans - whether they realize it now or not - is that Saleh wouldn't do something like that. Despite recent rumors, Atlanta likely won't be in play for Detroit's Jalen Duren.
2 reasons why Atlanta won't trade for Duren: track record and minimal need
What about Onsi Saleh's first full year as the organization's lead decision-maker alludes to the idea that he'd entertain dropping over $40 million annually for a player of Duren's caliber?
Not a whole lot...
The highest-paid player on the roster, currently, is Jalen Johnson - the face of the franchise. Johnson is set to earn exactly $30 million each year for the next three seasons. It's one of the best deals in the NBA.
Jalen Johnson is much better than Jalen Duren.
It's not to say Duren isn't a fantastic young center, because he is, but if Johnson is making just $30 million, and Duren wants at least $40 million per year, it's clear to see why Atlanta likely won't look to bring him in.
Duren's game has limitations, as well. There are real concerns about his ability to contribute highly in a playoff-level environment.
Onyeka Okongwu's versatility on both ends gives Atlanta a unique advantage, and while Duren's post presence would give them an extra boost, it's not needed just as much.
Atlanta is confident about their roster, and fans should be too
It's easy to get lost in rumors, especially at the point in the offseason when there isn't a whole lot to talk about.
Despite a first-round postseason exit, Atlanta knows exactly what and who they have.
They possess one of the most exciting young cores in the NBA, and have every reason to expect big things after a solid season of growth.
With as much flexibility as the front office currently has to work with, as well, it just wouldn't make sense to throw it all away for someone who wouldn't propel them into title contention.
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