Atlanta Hawks: 7 free agents to help reach the next level

By Ben Bundy | Jun 7, 2019

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 13: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Memphis Grizzlies at State Farm Arena on March 13, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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2. Jimmy Butler

Of all the players on this list, Jimmy Butler might be the biggest long shot to sign with Atlanta. That being said, he would still make a great fit for the team with his skill on both offense and defense, as well as his experience in big games.

Butler has been one of the league’s quietest top-tier guys for the past few years. This is why the Philadelphia 76ers decided to make a trade for him when things with the Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t go well. While the 76ers would likely welcome Butler back, there is a good chance he decides to sign with another team this offseason.

Butler is undoubtedly a proven player on both ends of the court, but he’s spent his last couple seasons on teams that already had franchise players in place. Signing with Atlanta, who appear to have a franchise guy or two, would put him in a position to be “the guy” until Young, Collins and/or Huerter develop into all-stars. This could be something that tempts Butler, who hasn’t been the main guy on a team since his Chicago Bulls days.

Butler will likely draw a lot of attention this offseason, and would probably want to join a team in a bigger market than Atlanta. The Hawks would definitely be an underdog to sign Butler, but he would fit in with Atlanta as much as he would anywhere else.

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