Most teams have very limited cap flexibility this late into an offseason.
A veteran swap typically doesn't take place in September of all months, especially if one player is making several million more than the other, but Atlanta and Charlotte could get something done if recent trade rumors prevail.
The Hawks need to get rid of one more player before their season can begin, but the way these talks have transpired alludes to this rumored move not being the one to get them there. Maybe as the season gets closer, it will.
It would also put them scarily close to a financial restriction, further implying the need for a follow-up or deal-expansion.
Hawks have many financial options to consider
For those who appreciate the financial specifics of ongoing trade negotiations, you've come to the right place.
The Atlanta Hawks likely aren't going to pay the luxury tax this season. They haven't since 2012.
Looking at where they currently stand, they're $3,819,114 away from dipping into the tax. Not much room for movement, at all.
The rumored trade is a swap of Buddy Hield and Dorian Finney Smith. Hield, 33, is set to make $9,658,536 this upcoming season, while Finney-Smith, same age, will earn a base salary of $13,335,000, with a full cap hit of $14,196,974.
The total difference is $4,538,438, including the hit, meaning a one-for-one swap while remaining under the luxury tax line would be incredibly difficult to execute. Atlanta would be roughly $700,000 above the tax, confirming the need for a subsequent transaction.
Could they expand the trade to a multi-team framework, sending one of their 16 rostered players elsewhere and finally getting down to 15? Could they release a player, only to complete the swap after? Both exist as logical paths forward.
If they truly like the idea of Finney-Smith on the roster, they're still in a position to get a complicated deal for him done.
Saleh will get aggressive to acquire a player who fits his vision
If there's anything Hawks fans have grown to acknowledge over the last year, it's that the lead decision-maker in their front office doesn't shy away from making a move he sees fit.
Often times, he takes the road less traveled, sparking heated debate among fans.
A Hield-Finney-Smith swap would be no different, but if history proves accurate, Saleh deserves trust. Acquiring a defensive-minded veteran, even with difficult financial specifics prolonging negotiations, should be met with praise.
Maybe he'll age as Atlanta's missing piece.
Add us as a preferred source on Google