After making two bold moves in the beginning part of the offseason, the Atlanta Hawks have been listed as top suitors for several free-agent wings. While the frontcourt is revamped, General Manager Onsi Saleh will have his work cut out for him to improve the guard room behind Trae Young and Dyson Daniels.
While the most notable name linked to the Hawks in recent days has been Nickeil Alexander-Walker, there is an under-the-radar target who could help Atlanta address their biggest issue of last season. Luke Kennard of the Memphis Grizzlies has been picking up steam in the free agent market, being listed by Grant Afseth of RG and Marc Stein of The Stein Line as a player who Atlanta has shown some serious interest in.
Hawks fans should be excited about the possibility of adding Kennard. While he has never been a great defender, he is a stellar outside shooter, something Atlanta has needed in their second unit ever since dealing Bogdan Bogdanovic to the Clippers.
Kennard's scorching shooting instantly helps a weak point
Kennard has shot 43.8% from deep over the course of his career, the third-highest three-point percentage in NBA history among qualified players.
The Hawks were in the bottom half of the league in 3-point percentage last season while being near the top of the league in shot quality. The team has other issues to address, but real emphasis is being placed on improving their overall percentages from deep. Trading for Kristaps Porzingis was a step in the right direction, and Atlanta has a chance to double down.
If Atlanta were to acquire Kennard, it would allow for real flexibility to add other contributors. While not expected to take a minimum contract, the 29-year-old sniper would still be attainable on a cheap, short-term deal.
This signing would imply that the front office is not finished making moves. The Hawks would have some salary to spare and could add another free agent using whatever remains of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. A veteran guard or big, such as Tyus Jones or Luke Kornet, could be added using what they have left.
Atlanta could still follow through with the sign-and-trade of their top target this free agency period, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, even after adding Kennard and another veteran. Atlanta's $25 million trade exception could be used in this instance to lock in one of the best, most versatile benches in the NBA.