The NBA offseason is underway for many teams, but it’s about to get busier with the upcoming NBA Draft. This is particularly significant for the Atlanta Hawks, who hold the number one overall pick. Alongside preparing for the draft, the Hawks will also be closely involved in trade discussions, especially regarding their All-Star point guards, Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.
Due to their current financial constraints, NBA free agency appears to be of lesser priority for the Atlanta Hawks. Nonetheless, the team has opportunities to increase their salary cap flexibility through trades, potentially expanding their options. Additionally, they face decisions regarding their own free agents, adding another layer to their offseason agenda.
List of Atlanta Hawks Free Agents
- Saddiq Bey (Restricted Free Agent)
- Garrison Mathews (Team Option)
- Wesley Matthews (Unrestricted Free Agent)
- Vit Krejci (Restricted Free Agent)
- Seth Lundy (Restricted Free Agent)
- Trent Forrest (Unrestricted Free Agent)
- Dylan Windler (Unrestricted Free Agent)
The key decision facing the Atlanta Hawks regarding their own players centers around Saddiq Bey. Since his acquisition at last year’s trade deadline, Bey has been a valuable contributor to the team, maintaining averages of 13.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. He’s shot 42.9% from the field and 33.7% from three-point range during this time.
The potential departure of Saddiq Bey would further deplete an already sparse wing rotation for the Atlanta Hawks. However, the major concern lies in Bey’s recovery from a torn ACL injury sustained in March. This might lead the Hawks to hesitate in extending a qualifying offer, though they could opt to wait and assess whether to match any offers he receives in free agency. Given the injury, other teams may be hesitant to offer lucrative multi-year contracts to Bey, potentially creating a chance for the Hawks to secure him at a more favorable price.
Apart from the decision regarding Saddiq Bey, the impact of other player decisions on the Atlanta Hawks’ success next season is expected to be minimal. Garrison Mathews has a club option worth just over $2 million, which may be exercised. Vit Krejci, while providing some valuable contributions during injury periods, is also part of the consideration.