The Atlanta Hawks have one of the best young cores in the NBA. With three first-round picks and plenty of potential cap space, the league could be looking at the Hawks as one of the future contenders. Possibly as early as next season.
The Atlanta Hawks had a fairly forgettable season if you look at the Eastern Conference standings from last year. At 29-53, Atlanta finished 12th in the East, missing the playoffs for the third straight year. The franchise looks to be far removed from the 60-win team it had back in 2014, but that looks to be changing soon.
Fans of the Hawks witnessed a sensational rookie season of point guard Trae Young, who proved he is one of the leagues most dangerous shooters. Along with him, fellow rookie Kevin Huerter showed plenty of promise in his first season. The addition to these two rookies, alongside young talent John Collins, has given the Hawks a solid foundation to build around. However, it will take some time for the trio to develop into a playoff caliber team again. Fortunately for Atlanta, they might not have to wait.
The Hawks could go into this offseason with approximately $34 million in cap space, which is enough to sign a max player. If you take into account the teams three first-round picks (the 8th,10th, and 17th picks) Atlanta could have some flexibility in the trade market when it comes to trying to free up even more cap room, if they feel like it. The question, though, isn’t how to free up enough money, but who to sign with it.
Here are seven free agents that the Atlanta Hawks should sign if they want to reach the next level.