The Atlanta Hawks are suddenly being looked at as a favorable destination for NBA free agents in the coming offseason thanks to the success of head coach Mike Budenholzer. The Hawks broke several franchise records and proved a number of doubters wrong by making it the Eastern Conference Finals, but with two of their biggest stars preparing to hit free agency in the coming days, how will the Hawks make sure they are able to get back into the mix next season?
According to Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports, the Hawks will show great interest in Draymond Green who will be a restricted free agent with the Golden State Warriors. This rumor could mean something or nothing simply because the Warriors have the opportunity to match any offer that comes to the defender. Green will not be cheap, but the Warriors have some cap space issues when might push him elsewhere. The Hawks have some flexibility and with Paul Millsap and DeMarre Carroll potentially exiting, the space is there to acquire Green.
The chances the Hawks get Green are unknown, the Atlanta will be able to meet with some talent this offseason. LaMarcus Aldridge will be a potential target in the coming days. Aldridge is getting attention from everyone at the moment while Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas has been reporting that the Mavericks or Lakers have the best chance at landing the power forward. The same can be said for Marc Gasol who has mentioned the Hawks as a potential landing spot, but might simply end up back with the Memphis Grizzlies according to ESPN.
The Hawks have to sign talent this offseason especially if both Millsap and Carroll exit. The trade for Tim Hardaway Jr in the draft was disappointing to the fans who were hoping to see someone like Justise Winslow or Sam Dekker join in. Both Monta Ellis and Carlos Boozer have expressed interest in Atlanta, but that likely will not happen. Instead the team will try and take as many free agent meetings as they can get. Tobias Harris, Corey Brewer and Jae Crowder could also be options to replace a player like Carroll. The Hawks have the point guard position and their center spots taken care of. Now they just need someone of star talent to help fill in the holes.