Atlanta Hawks officially waive John Salmons
Just two weeks ago, the Atlanta Hawks completed a trade that sent veteran guard Lou Williams and the 16th-overall pick of the 2013 NBA Draft, Lucas “Bebe” Nugiera, to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for veteran swingman John Salmons.
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Salmons was set to make $7 million in the 2014-2015 season, but the salary was unguaranteed – if he was waived before July 10 came to a close, he was only due $1 million.
On Friday morning, the Hawks officially announced the waiving of Salmons via a press release.
The Hawks, who waited in free agency last before agreeing to a two-year, $19 million deal with former Utah Jazz big man Paul Millsap (which has turned out to be one of the biggest steals in the league).
With Jeff Teague at point guard and big man Al Horford returning from injury, the Hawks plan to be aggressive again. They have already agreed to a deal with former Oklahoma City Thunder swingman Thabo Sefolosha.
They reportedly have their eyes on Cleveland Cavaliers’ free agent forward Luol Deng.
Salmons averaged 5.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 36.3% from the floor, 38.7% from beyond the arc and 76.9% from the free throw line last season. Salmons was originally drafted with the 26th-overall pick in the first round of the 2002 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs. He has since played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks and the Raptors. Over his career, he has averaged 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 43.2% from the field, 36.6% from beyond the arc and 80.0% from beyond the arc.