The Atlanta Hawks could have a busy offseason, and it starts with the draft. With the No. 8 and No. 23 picks, they can address some of the things they need to help improve their team, or they could use those picks in a trade to get a specific player they like.
Center was one area that the Hawks were short in depth this season, and it wouldn't be a surprise if they were looking at some of the prospects in the draft. If they don't draft a big man, they're said to have an interest in Isaiah Hartenstein if the Oklahoma City Thunder don't bring him back, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
“Multiple avenues to add frontcourt depth will present themselves to the Hawks this offseason outside of this eighth pick and Mara, as sources say they plan on making a run at Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein should he have his team option declined and enter unrestricted free agency. It is also worth mentioning that the Hawks own the 23rd pick, where plenty of big men will be available near the end of the first round,” Siegel wrote.
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Though Hartenstein's option may not get picked up, the Thunder are said to have an interest in signing him to a longer deal, which would hurt the Hawks' chances of trying to sign him.
“There is a small possibility that Hartenstein's team option will get picked up, but the league-wide belief is that he and the team will agree on a new long-term extension upon declining his $28.5 million option,” Siegel wrote. “As reported by ClutchPoints on May 13, the expectation is that Hartenstein will re-sign with the Thunder at a smaller cap figure to help the team.”
A lot can change between now and free agency, but if Hartenstein ends up re-signing with the Thunder, the Hawks will have to look through other options.
The Atlanta Hawks could have a busy offseason, and it starts with the draft. With the No. 8 and No. 23 picks, they can address some of the things they need to help improve their team, or they could use those picks in a trade to get a specific player they like.