NBA: Moves that East playoff teams need to make to take a step forward

Atlanta Hawks: Make use of Gallinari’s contract while you can

The Atlanta Hawks surprised the league by advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals after firing their head coach and starting 14-20. They must keep their momentum following the condensed season.

After barely being over the salary cap last season, Atlanta will soon become a team that toes around the NBA luxury tax, around $30 million over the salary cap. The first domino may be a John Collins extension and the time to pay superstar Trae Young is quickly approaching.

Before they lose their flexibility, they must turn Danilo Gallinari’s $20 million contract into a long-term complementary piece. While “Gallo” is a pretty good option, he is also already 32 years old and getting paid a sizable amount of money to come off the bench for Atlanta.

A slightly younger scoring option who can start alongside Trae for the Hawks makes sense to trade for. They have the assets. Multiple first-round picks, young players, and cheap contracts are dispensable. Making this move now will help Atlanta get better now and gives them Bird Rights, an ability for Atlanta to go over the salary cap to re-sign that player once they are over the salary cap.

Jerami Grant may be an intriguing target, especially if Atlanta cannot retain Collins. He can play both forward positions, a capable defender, and attainable because Detroit is rebuilding. Plus, Gallinari’s contract is almost identical to his to match in a trade, but Grant is five years younger.