Why trading Kent Bazemore, as the NBA Trade Deadline approaches, could prove to be difficult for the Atlanta Hawks. Can they find the right partner?
Even though the Atlanta Hawks have been a bit respectable over the last few weeks, they’re still not in the Eastern Conference’s playoff race and most of their attention during the second half of the season will revolve around snagging a top 3 pick in. this year’s draft.
One move, however, as the NBA Trade Deadline approaches, that is widely expected to take place on behalf of the Hawks is for them to move Kent Bazemore.
The veteran wing is averaging the most points he’s ever average throughout his career this season, while leading the lowly Hawks. However, while he is reportedly garnering some outside interest in the trade market, there’s one big reason why it could be difficult for the Hawks to find the right trading partner.
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According to a report from The Athletic, Bazemore intends to opt into his $19-plus million player option for next season. With that out there, it could scare away a team or two that is genuinely interested in making a move for Bazemore.
"[via The Athletic]Kent Bazemore, another name who has drawn interest on the trade market, is leaning towards opting into his $19.3 million player option for next season, league sources told The Athletic."
While this was always the most likely outcome for any team that traded for Bazemore, it does limit the potential for a few playoff teams, who also want to retain financial flexibility, to go after him hard.
Players that are generally dealt at or around the NBA Trade Deadline are seen as rental pieces, not pieces that teams are going to keep on their books for the foreseeable future. And while Bazemore would be a quality role player for any team hoping to make a real run to the playoffs, or deeper, keeping him beyond this season at that number really makes it difficult.
Especially considering that there are a number of teams with high hopes heading into the summer of 2019. Teams want to keep their salary cap space, and unless they have some expiring contracts that the Hawks would take, the Kent Bazemore trade that many are expecting to see may have to wait until next season, when he would truly be an expiring contract.