5 free agents the Atlanta Hawks should target

By Brad Weiss | Jun 28, 2016

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 08: Fans hold up a sign in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Atlanta Hawks and the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on May 8, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 02: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball against Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the 2016 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 2, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Marcio Jose Sanchez/Pool/Getty Images) /

5. Harrison Barnes, F, Golden State Warriors

Harrison Barnes had a tough NBA Finals, as he seemed to lose his shooting stroke at the wrong time. Still, Barnes will be one of the more sought after small forwards in this free agent class, and the Hawks could scoop him up if they cannot re-sign Bazemore to a contract.

In Golden State, Barnes has been a secondary player, though he has shown the ability to take on more of a role. He will never be a top option for the Warriors, so he may want to go somewhere else where he can be relied upon more on a nightly basis.

The Hawks are going to go into the season with Schröder at the point, so he is going to need a good cast around him to take the pressure off himself. Barnes would alleviate a lot of that pressure, mostly because he can score from anywhere on the court.

Barnes is a former top-10 pick, and his game has evolved in his first four years in the league. Last season, he averaged nearly 12 points per game on a team where he was not a top option offensively. He also has tremendous playoff experience, which would help the Hawks make the next step.

He seems primed to make the jump from role player to star, and the Atlanta Hawks may be the team to make that happen.

Next: 4. Al Jefferson

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