Atlanta Hawks Offseason Moves
This offseason, the Atlanta Hawks have taken notable strides to enhance their roster, acquiring key players such as Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard. However, the franchise has exercised caution when it comes to offering a contract extension to star player Trae Young. Atlanta is embarking on a pivotal season, opting to evaluate how this newly formed lineup performs before committing to long-term decisions regarding the roster’s future.
Porzingis’ Contract Negotiations
Porzingis, who has become a central figure in this strategy, shares the same sentiment regarding contract negotiations. Though he is eligible for an extension, he conveyed to Fred Katz from The Athletic that he is not in a hurry to finalize a deal.
“I want to see how the year goes,”
Porzingis remarked. This perspective underscores his desire to focus on performance and health before discussing financial commitments. He added,
“I want to show that I’m playing at a high level again,”
emphasizing a gradual approach, as he plans to evaluate each game as it comes.
Current Contract and Performance
Currently, Porzingis is on a lucrative $30.7 million contract that represents the final season of a two-year, $60 million deal he initially signed with the Celtics. After the Celtics decided to trim their payroll, they traded him to the Hawks during a three-team deal that also involved the Brooklyn Nets.
From a strategic standpoint, Porzingis appears to be the ideal big man for Atlanta, bringing defensive prowess as a rim protector and an effective pick-and-pop option with Young. Last season, he averaged 19.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game while exhibiting a respectable 41.2% shooting accuracy from behind the three-point line. Moreover, he showcased his skills on the international stage with Latvia during EuroBasket.
Durability Concerns
However, concerns linger regarding his durability, as he only managed to feature in 42 games last season and has surpassed 65 games in just one of the last seven years, largely due to a lingering virus. His availability will heavily influence the potential value of his next contract. While a Hawks extension could potentially start above $43 million annually, estimates based on his current worth suggest a figure between $30 to $35 million may be more realistic if he manages to maintain his health.
Looking Ahead
Moving forward, the Hawks aspire for a successful season that could lead them to at least a top-four seed and a progression beyond the first round of the playoffs. If they achieve these goals, key players like Porzingis and Young are likely to receive significant financial rewards. However, if the season takes an unfavorable turn, the team might face serious upheaval by next summer.
