The Atlanta Hawks made huge strides as a franchise this season, setting a new mark for wins in a regular season while making it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals. Head coach Mike Budenholzer got honored as Coach of the Year and it became very clear that the Hawks could becoming a contending team for years to come. Continuing that effort will happen in free agency as the Hawks have two of their biggest stars hitting the market while other players are suddenly seeking a move to Atlanta.
Before pursuing outside talent, the Hawks will first begin talks with both Paul Millsap and DeMarre Carroll. Both players will be unrestricted free agents this summer and while re-signing both could be extremely tough, it is possible. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Hawks will have around $23 million in salary cap space to work while. Millsap is expected to command a max deal while Carroll's worth could be around four years and $50 million. Millsap made it clear that he will explore his options, but there is loyalty with Atlanta as he is very close to all his teammates. Carroll echoed that belief.
"You know Atlanta played a big/major role in my life, major part of my family life so it would always be good to get back to Atlanta its a great system that I grew up in and you know kind of excelled in," Carroll said, via ESPN. "But, on the same token, my options are open and hopefully its Atlanta they will and have, they will be one of my best options but like I said before my options are open and Mark Bartelstein my agent he will handle all that process. He just told me to sit back and enjoy the ride."
In order to retain both players, the Hawks would have to move others out. That could mean Shelvin Mack or Mike Scott are trade risks for the upcoming year which would creat $5.8 million in cap space. If Carroll or Millsap were to leave, a huge hole would be left on the Hawks' roster. Marc Gasol sees that and made it known that he would be very open to heading south and signing with the Hawks.
"The city isn't so important like it was in Pau's case," Gasol said, via EuroHoops.net. "My brother had other needs. People with sons knows how this works. I don't have time to go to the opera, or to the theater. New York is nice but it was very cold during the All Star Game. San Antonio, L.A, Atlanta... there's good things everywhere. I have a simple life: at home, the arena, the supermarket. Memphis is quiet. In Fort Yukon, Alaska, I would also be happy."
The Hawks already have an All-Star center in Al Horford, but he is versatile enough that he could move to power forward and Gasol could step in as center. Atlanta fans would certainly not mind that one bit. If either Millsap or Carroll were to depart, getting Gasol is not a bad option in return.
