[Stein/Fischer] Multiple rival executives have noted that the Hawks are flush with the mid-tier salaries and draft capital to make a run at a star via trade. Atlanta could decide to preserve as much financial flexibility as possible and is not expected to pursue an extension for Lu Dort immediately.
Multiple rival team executives have noted this week that the Hawks, after adding Dort, are flush with the sort of mid-tier salaries that could be easily packaged with draft capital to make a run at a star who becomes available via trade.
Maybe that happens between now and the February trade deadline. Or maybe it’s a matter for next summer, when the Hawks are projected to boast more than $40 million in cap space.
Dort is entering the final year of his current contract at nearly $18 million after Oklahoma City picked up the 27-year-old’s team option with the intent to trade him … but The Stein Line has been advised that a contract extension for Dort with Hawks won’t necessarily be pursued immediately by the rugged 3-and-D swingman’s new team.
Atlanta could well decide to preserve as much financial flexibility as possible for down-the-road business and appear poised to carry a slew of expiring contracts and/or non-guaranteed money into the season between the contracts belonging to Dort, Buddy Hield, Jock Landale and the recently extended CJ McCollum.