The NBA Draft is over and the Atlanta Hawks have turned their complete attention to the start of free agency on July 1st. The Hawks could be surprise players this offseason and have their sights set on at least two big names. Here are all the latest Hawks rumors and news and you need to know.
Hawks In On Durant?
The Hawks are going to make a run at Kevin Durant, reports ESPN's Marc Stein.
"[The Hawks] have been working to try to persuade Durant and his representatives to have a face-to-face recruiting meeting after free agency starts at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, even though their chances appear dim," Stein reports. "One source of hope for the Hawks, sources say, is the presence of longtime NBA All-Star Grant Hill in the Hawks' ownership group, with Hill expected to lead Atlanta's lobbying efforts."
The Hawks' priority remains re-signing Al Horford and Kent Bazemore, according to Stein, but it appears they'll at least make an effort to land Durant. Atlanta might be getting into this race a bit late and their chances aren't looking great at the moment.
Howard The Backup Plan?
If the Hawks can't land Durant, they could target a hometown player to join the team.
"If the Hawks are unable to thrust themselves into the Durant bidding, sources say that one countermove Atlanta is weighing strongly is the free-agent pursuit of Atlanta native Dwight Howard to play alongside Horford in the frontcourt," Stein reports.
Playing Howard alongside Horford is an interesting move, in large part because the Hawks already have Paul Millsap at power forward. While the Hawks do need rebounding, which is exactly what Howard would provide, it's unclear how the three bigs would share the court. Howard might be a better fit in the event Horford leaves this offseason.
How The Hawks Landed Isaia Cordinier
The Hawks weren't expecting to land Cordinier in the NBA Draft, as he slid a bit. The reason for his slide is not a pretty one.
Even told other teams not to pick him because he was guaranteed to be brought to NBA right away. Had to scramble last minute to get picked
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 24, 2016
It's still unclear which team backed out of the deal, and Cordinier now won't join the Hawks right away. He'll stay overseas for a season and join Atlanta in 2017.
Follow our Atlanta Hawks team page for all the latest Hawks Rumors, or download the Chat Sports App!
Back to the Atlanta Hawks Newsfeed