1 dream, 1 realistic, & 1 bargain target for the Hawks in free agency

The stage could be set for Saddiq Bey to return to the Hawks

The Hawks acquired Bey at the 2022 trade deadline and he immediately added another floor-spacing threat to the group. He averaged just 11.6 points but shot 40% over his 25 appearances, including seven starts.

This past season, though, his three-point efficiency hit a career-low 31.6%.

Bey is not a great defender, with the Hawks’ defensive efficiency differential 3.5 points better without the former Detroit Piston on the floor than with him, per Cleaning The Glass.

However, the Hawks’ net differential was higher with him largely because of what he brought on the offensive glass. Their offensive rebounding percentage ranked in the 94th percentile with Bey and the 44th without him.

Bey is a restricted free agent this offseason.

“Atlanta will likely tender him a one-year, $8.4 million qualifying offer by June 29, making him a restricted free agent,” Marks wrote.

Bringing Bey back is a restrictive decision for a player who will likely miss a sizeable portion of the early slate next season. But he was a positive contributor to what the Hawks want to do and could be the most realistic option in free agency this offseason.

His return would be like getting a mid-season acquisition.

If the Hawks do not want to wait for him to recover, then there could be an under-the-radar option for immediate help.