Saddiq Bey has a specific set of skills
The Hawks acquired Bey at last season’s trade deadline, sending a handful of second-round picks out to the Pistons and Warriors in a three-team trade. He is rebounding well this season, snagging a career-high 6.4 boards per game.
But he is shooting a career-low 31.6% from beyond the arc, one of the primary reasons he was brought in.
He is still just 24 years old, though, and should have some market.
The Knicks had an interest in Bey before the Hawks landed him last season, and they could try to insist on including seldom-used swingman Evan Fournier, who would offer three-point shooting and has a club option for next season.
But the Hawks have long had an interest in Grimes, with the two teams discussing a deal earlier this season.
The Knicks were previously against moving Grimes but could be coming around.
The Hawks were said to want to hold onto Bey this offseason. But, after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract before the deadline as they did with Okongwu, Bey is heading for restricted free agency.
That still gives the Hawks some level of control over his playing future. But it won’t prevent a team from making him an offer they’d rather not pay.
Getting out in front of the situation is wise if the Hawks and Bey are far apart on a new deal.
Bey’s ability to be a force on the glass has been better than it’s ever been. But his defensive shortcomings become glaringly obvious in longer stints, especially on a Hawks team that is leaky in all areas.
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau may feel he can cover for Bey. And the two franchises have done business before.