The Hawks may have taken Paul Millsap off the trade market but the team has been active ahead of next week’s NBA trade deadline, according to a person familiar with the situation.
The Hawks’ interest is in adding to the current roster. There is no guarantee that a deal will be made before the Feb. 23 deadline. However, more than one deal is possible ahead of the stretch run of the regular season and playoffs.
To be considered in trade talks, is that the Hawks have an open roster spot available. Lamar Patterson’s second 10-day contract expires on Friday.
In addition, Tiago Splitter could be moved with his $8.5 million salary attractive to some teams. Splitter has been injured and has not played a game this season. Splitter is one of several players with expiring contracts including Thabo Sefolosha, Kris Humphries, Mike Scott and Mike Muscala. Tim Hardaway Jr. is a restricted free agent and Millsap can opt out of the final year of his contract. The Hawks have had discussions with teams about Sefolosha and Hardaway.
Finally, the Hawks have a collection of draft picks that could be used in trade negotiations. In addition to all their own picks in upcoming drafts, the Hawks have:
* The Nets’ second-round pick next year.
* The Heat’s second-round pick (protected 31-40) next season or unprotected in 2018.
* The Timberwolves first-round pick (protected 1-14) for 2018, 2019 or 2020 or second-round picks in 2021 and 2022 if not conveyed as a first-rounder.
* The Cavaliers first-round pick (protected 1-10) in 2019.
* The Wizards’ second-round pick in 2019.
The Hawks entered Wednesday’s game against the Clippers with a 32-23 record and fourth in the Eastern Conference. They traded Kyle Korver last month and were exploring trade possibilities regarding Millsap before ultimately deciding to keep their four-time All-Star power forward. The Hawks were in the middle of a seven-game win streak when Millsap was taken off the market. Since the end of the streak, the Hawks are 10-7.
