When considering who exactly the Atlanta Hawks could bring in to upgrade their center room, there aren't many restricted free agents often named. After all, the team they were on previously has a chance to match any offer thrown their way. Prying one away is rare, and it's why many have already ruled out the possibility of Walker Kessler.
Not all hope is lost, however, as Sam Amick of The Athletic recently revealed that the 7'2" big man is "at odds with the team’s front office over the current handling of his restricted free agency."
It's not difficult to see why, as now there's real uncertainty that they'll try to bring him back. If they do indeed choose to let him walk, the Hawks should - and likely would - be all over it.
Kessler would be a perfect long-term answer at center
He's everything they've been lacking down low. In their most recent playoff series against the eventual-champion New York Knicks, they were dominated in the interior. They weren't all the way healthy, of course, but if even if they were, it probably wouldn't have made the biggest difference.
There was a clear talent disparity. It's no knock against Onyeka Okongwu, who's done a fantastic job transitioning to a full-time starting center role, but his game comes with clear limitations that Atlanta simply can't ignore any longer.
Whether they bring in a stable paint presence to back him up or start over him, one thing's for sure: they're going to make a change. If Kessler ends up being the guy, he would be the clear starter, and would instantly raise Atlanta's ceiling in both the immediate and long-term.
There are obvious concerns that come with Kessler's game, too, but they would easily be able to work around them with strategic roster-building and financial intelligence.
Adding Kessler wouldn't be a cheap acquisition
They wouldn't have to break the bank for him, though. Hopefully not, at least. It would have to be expensive enough to convince Utah not to match. Maybe the exact same structure as Jalen Johnson's current deal would be just enough. He's making $30 million flat for the next four seasons.
Some would view it as an overpay, but locking in a 24-year-old big to complete the frontcourt would be completely justifiable. He's from Atlanta, too.
They wouldn't need to trade Okongwu, either, as having both ready to contribute nightly would give Atlanta arguably the best center room in the NBA.
Come on, Utah. Let him walk.
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