The Atlanta Hawks are still looking to be buyers in free agency as the offseason carries on. The team is looking to dump off some remaining salary cap space and target at least one more big name. After being the surprise of the league last season, taking the Indiana Pacers to seven games in the Eastern Conference playoffs, the Hawks have no intentions of slowing down. After adding a few names already, who is next?
Carlos Boozer is officially on the open market after getting sent packing via the amnesty clause. The Chicago Bulls were desperate to clear his $16.8 million salary off the books in order to sign players like Pau Gasol and that was simply the only way to get it done as quickly as possible. Now up for grabs, Boozer is looking for a deal quickly and the Atlanta Hawks appear interested. According to Eric Pincus of the Los Angeles Times, the Hawks are finishing getting under their salary cap and then intent to chase Boozer. After signing Thabo Sefolosha, the Oklahoma City Thunder got a trade exception helping out Atlanta. Now the team can sign the forward if that is their intentions.
Several teams are emerging as candidates for Boozer meaning the Hawks might have to go a different direction. After missing out on both Lance Stephenson and Luol Deng, Atlanta still wants that big-body shooter and could aim for Greg Monroe next in a sign-and-trade deal. Monroe is currently a restricted free agent with the Detroit Pistons and wants out of Motor City quickly. The Pistons are not going to let him go without a fight, but are having trouble finding suitors to get involved. According to Nate Duncan of Basketball Insiders, the Pistons are not sold on matching any offer on Monroe and the Hawks could swoop in with a deal if things work out.
Boozer and Monroe would certainly help out the Hawks. With injuries to Al Horford setting them back last year, getting another power forward in the mix could be what the team needs to get back into playoff contention. The Hawks have the cap space for one more move up their sleeve. Boozer would be the cheaper deal, but Monroe is the younger talent that has potential to grow.
