NBA: Looking At What Lies Ahead This Summer For Every Eliminated Playoff Team

April 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and guard Chris Paul (3) react from the bench against Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and guard Chris Paul (3) react from the bench against Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer reacts to a call against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer reacts to a call against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks made it to the second round of the NBA playoffs after beating the Celtics and were then swept by the Cavaliers in a quick four game series, for the second-straight season.

The Hawks have two key pieces hitting the unrestricted free agent market this summer:

  1. Al Horford
  2. Kent Bazemore

These are two guys who they could potentially lose, too. Kent Bazemore had a superb year and will be looking to get paid; he will. He will probably go to the highest bidder and that may not be the Hawks. Al Horford could also look to explore a different option at this point in his career, after spending his first nine seasons in Atlanta.

If they lose these two players, the Hawks are basically out of contention in any manner of the word.

Re-sign these guys and add a play maker to the mix such as Lance Stephenson, Evan Turner, or Nic Batum and they could make a run hopefully deeper into the playoffs next season.

Also, watch for one of Jeff Teague or Dennis Schroder to be moved this summer.

Next: Portland Trail Blazers