3. Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks pulled off one of the blockbusters of the NBA offseason, acquiring Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs. It cost them a lot in draft capital, as they surrendered three unprotected first-round picks and a pick swap.
However, that was to compensate for the lack of player return for San Antonio, as Danilo Gallinari was the only other player involved in the deal.
Gallinari was promptly waived and is expected to sign with the Boston Celtics as San Antonio is entering a rebuild. The Atlanta Hawks are looking to cement their status as playoff contenders in the Eastern Conference and Murray will help them in that quest as a defensive dynamo.
While they do have a lot of depth on the team, as consolidating was a goal this offseason, Atlanta is losing a key contributor in Gallinari. He was their fourth-leading scorer in the postseason as they could count on him to score every night.
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If the Atlanta Hawks don’t believe they have a player capable of filling that role on the roster in the frontcourt, they could turn to a veteran in free agency. Carmelo Anthony would be a perfect replacement for Gallinari based on what was asked of him on the court.
Need someone to carry the offense for a stretch with other players resting? Anthony can do that. Want someone to consistently score 10-15 points every night that is efficient behind the 3-point line but can create a little bit on his own? Anthony is your guy.
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It would be a seamless transition for Anthony into the role vacated by Gallinari as an offensive-minded forward. The Atlanta Hawks received Justin Holiday and Maurice Harkless in the deal from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Kevin Huerter that can factor into the mix, but neither provide the scoring punch that Anthony is capable of.
