Apparently that is not the plan at all. But they also have a couple of unrestricted free agents of their own to sew up in Al Horford and Kent Bazemore, though the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Chris Vivlamore says the Hawks have the cap space to re-sign Horford and one other max player (like Durant).
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Boston is one of several teams pursuing Atlanta Hawks free agent Al Horford, sources tell ESPN’s Marc Stein.
Let’s start with Durant. And some the other teams interested in him have a shorter timeline to contention than the Nets or are already a contender.
Could a run at the title in the Eastern Conference be enough for Durant?
There’s nothing wrong with the Hawks aiming high.
Along with Russell Westbrook, Durant has a solid team in Oklahoma City. That’s his max, and that is an insane number.
The Hornets said forward Frank Kaminsky will undergo a “minor procedure” today to fix a small pocket of air between his lung and chest wall, which will keep him out of the Orlando Pro Summer League.
Acquiring Horford could have an even greater impact for Boston.
While NBA free agents can not officially sign contracts until July 7, rumors are swirling around the Atlanta Hawks and their potential acquisitions for the upcoming 2016-2017 season. Asking Horford, Howard and Millsap to share minutes seems like a miscalculation of resources, and trading Millsap away to make room for Howard seems foolish.
Atlanta is in a hard spot – it’s not that far away from contending in the East, but the path there is unclear.
The Hawks hope to leverage executive Grant Hill’s long-time friendship with Durant into a meeting.
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Hill is a well respected former National Basketball Association star, and could leave a positive impression on Durant regarding the direction of the Hawks. And Horford, who has power forward size, plays the overwhelming percentage of his court time in the low post, where Brook Lopez plays.
