Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks pulled off a big trade this offseason, acquiring Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs. It cost them a lot of draft capital, as they sent three unprotected first-round picks and a pick swap to San Antonio along with Danilo Gallinari, who was promptly released.
They made a second trade with the Sacramento Kings to start recouping some of the draft capital. Kevin Huerter is heading out west in exchange for a future first-round pick, Justin Holiday and Maurice Harkless.
If the Atlanta Hawks are looking to shave more money off their salary cap, the Lakers could be of service. Los Angeles could offer Westbrook and draft picks for John Collins and Bogan Bogdanovic in a swap that helps both teams.
Collins and Bogdanovic would be huge rotation upgrades for Los Angeles and removing Westbrook is another plus. The Atlanta Hawks could try and convince Westbrook to come off their bench but if he isn’t open to it, they can buy him out.
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The real takeaway from this deal for Atlanta is the money they are saving. Collins and Bogdanovic are set to make over $43 million next season. With De’Andre Hunter eligible for an extension and Murray not far behind, the Atlanta Hawks would love to clear some long-term salary cap space.
This deal would also enable them to continue recouping the draft capital that it cost to acquire Murray from the Spurs. Los Angeles has been hesitant to include two first-round picks along with Westbrook, but Collins and Bogdanovic could be worth it.
