Looking to improve their wing depth, the Atlanta Hawks have agreed to a deal with unrestricted free agent Kent Bazemore.
ESPN sources say Kent Bazemore is headed to the Atlanta Hawks on a two-year, $4 million deal
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 12, 2014
Last season the Hawks lacked depth at the wing outside of Kyle Korver and Demarre Carroll. They’ve began to address that need by signing Thabo Sefalosha and are doing the same with Bazemore.
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In a trade revolving around Steve Blake, Bazemore found himself a member of the Los Angeles after spending his rookie season with the Golden State Warriors. Like many before him, Bazemore was able to breakout under then-Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni, averaging 13.1 points on 45% shooting (35% from three) along with 3 rebounds and 3 assists per game. And with a near-seven foot wingspan, the potential on defense is their, making Bazemore a more intriguing option for the Hawks.
The Atlanta Hawks still have an ample amount of cap space left, so Bazemore won’t be thrown into the fire immediately. According to reports, Atlanta is interested in the likes of Luol Deng and Trevor Ariza, two small forwards whose starting price will be ~$8 million.
Last season, Atlanta proved to be one of the better up-and-coming teams in the Eastern Conference before the injury bug decimated their frontcourt. Without Al Horford (averaged 18/9 in 2013-14), the Hawks were forced to rely on role players in heavy minutes, barely making the playoffs. A seven-game series loss to the Indiana Pacers was there eventual fate, but this franchise showed they’re here to stay if things play in their favor next season.
And the addition of Bazemore adds to that.