Despite reports they were planning on breaking up the core group of the roster, the Atlanta Hawks made two small trades at the deadline while their main players like Al Horford and Jeff Teague stayed put. The Hawks had plenty of interest to work with. The team had several teams calling about both players along with Dennis Schroder, but head coach Mike Budenholzer is happy the Hawks were quiet.
"We very much like out group," Budenholzer told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "I have used the phrase we are going to be very protective of the group. At the end of the day that's how it player out. We feel great."
Now the focus will shift to Horford and his expiring contract. Part of the reason Horford was mentioned in so many trade deals was because of his expiring contract and Atlanta's fear of losing him for nothing in return. Horford will have the chance to command a max contract in the summer especially as he continues to improve his game. Horford told Yahoo Sports that he would love to return to the city of Atlanta and continue playing, but he does intend on testing the market first.
"Atlanta has the potential for a guy like myself to maximize [the business] part of it," Horford said, via Yahoo Sports. "But obviously there are other cities, bigger cities that are more appealing probably [business and marketing-wise]. The impact would be bigger if that is what you are looking for."
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, Atlanta is expected to offer Horford the max deal. That has been the plan for two seasons now which is part of the reason why DeMarre Carroll did not return for the 2015-16 season. They have the cap space to keep the center while making a few other potential deals. In terms of the market, Horford is the best available as he is young and a more athletic center than players like Dwight Howard or Timofey Mozgov who will be available. Atlanta would be wise to keep him around.
The Hawks will make the playoffs this season, but the chances are slim they return to the Eastern Conference finals if improvement is not made. The Hawks need Teague shooting better while better production from guys like Tim Hardaway Jr will be critical down the stretch. If Atlanta falls short of the postseason, trade talk will heat up in the offseason especially around players like Teague.
