Dwight Howard Trade: Magic Were Reluctant To Deal Within Division

Hawks general manager Danny Ferry acknowledged trade discussions with the Orlando Magic regarding Dwight Howard but said that Orlando was not very interested in dealing the All-Star center to a team within its own division.

Danny Ferry to @jeffschultzajc: "We had discussions with Orl about Dwight Howard. They were apprehensive to trade him within the division."

— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) August 10, 2012

While its unclear how far the Hawks and Magic got in trade discussions it was always highly unlikely that the Hawks would think about trading Al Horford in a package for Howard without some sort of indication that Howard would re-sign with Atlanta at the end of the season.

Ferry's cost cutting moves have cleared enough space for the team to make a max offer to Howard once he becomes a free agent in 2013.

For more on the Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Dwight Howard Trade: Deal In Place To Send Magic Center To Lakers

It appears that the saga is about over and Dwight Howard will be part of a four-team trade that will send the All-Star center to the Lakers. The principles in the deal include Andrew Bynum to the Sixers, Andre Iguodala to the Nuggets and Aaron Afflalo to the Magic although others are involved.

From a Hawks standpoint this takes the best center in the league out of the southeast division and places him on the west coast where they will only have to worry about him two times a season. The trade does however place Bynum in the east and on what appears to be an up and coming team in Philadelphia.

From an offseason perspective expect the Hawks to be one of the teams waiting to meet with Howard at the stroke of midnight when free agency opens in 2013. The probability of landing Howard was remote to begin with and the trade to the Lakers probably hurts those chances even further.

For more on the Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Dwight Howard Trade Saga: Could Atlanta Hawks Lure Howard 'Home?'

The Dwight Howard saga shows no signs of ending anytime soon - the embattled Orlando Magic big man was at the heart of several failed trades over the last two months, and will be a free agent following next season.

HoopsWorld is speculating that while teams like Brooklyn, Dallas and the Lakers are frontrunners, Atlanta isn't out of the question entirely for Howard, who was born and raised in the city. Along with Howard, current Hawk Josh Smith is a native Atlantan who would love to welcome Howard back home:

Smith, who also grew up in Atlanta, has known Howard since preschool. They joke that they’ve been balling together since they were in diapers. The two boys remained friends as they completed grade after grade and started developing into the physical specimens we see today. They formed one of the best AAU duos in the nation and talked about someday playing together in the NBA. When Smith got married two years ago, Howard was the best man in his wedding. Smith admits that he would love to reunite with Howard in Atlanta.

As trade talks have seemed to stymie completely, the Hawks' best shot at Howard would be to wait out the coming season and clear cap space - something they've started in large part to trading Joe Johnson and his huge cap number to Brooklyn.

For more on the Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Hawks Free Agency: Bulls Showing Interest In Tracy McGrady

Atlanta Hawks unrestricted free agent Tracy McGrady could possibly end up signing a deal with the Chicago Bulls, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune. The Bulls just signed former Golden State Warriors Nate Robinson, and McGrady has been told that if the Bulls do add one more player it will indeed be him.

The seven-time All-Star struggled this past season with the Hawks and spent a good portion of the season with McGrady's typical back injury which caused him 14 games. He is now a shell of his former self and only 12 times this past year he scored more than 10 points and had a season high of 17 points in a late season game against the Detroit Pistons.

For the season he averaged only 5.3 points per game, three rebounds, 2.1 assists while playing 15 minutes per game. If McGrady does sign with the Bulls he will be a role player.

NBA Offseason: Hawks Send Willie Green To Clippers In Sign-And-Trade

The Atlanta Hawks have traded Willie Green to the Los Angeles Clippers in a sign-and-trade deal for the rights to Sofoklis Schortsanitis. The move also creates a trade exception for the Hawks.

Schortsanitis was drafted with the 34th pick of the 2003 draft by the Clippers. He is 27 years old and is listed at 6-foot-10, 345 pounds. Schortsanitis played this season with Panathinaikos and previously has played with Olympiacos, Maccabi Tel Aviv as well as the Greek National team.

The beauty of this deal is that Ferry turned a free agent that the team had no intention in re-signing into a trade exception which adds flexibility down the road. Since taking over as general manager, Ferry has focused on gaining long term flexibility for his roster.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Atlanta Hawks Have Paid Luxury Tax Once

Before the Atlanta Hawks sent Joe Johnson to the Brooklyn Nets in a salary dump, his eye-popping contract was often the first thing brought up in discussions about the Hawks.

However, as Atlanta fans already know, the team's front office has vigorously held salaries in check despite such a massive outlay.

In a fascinating spreadsheet compiled by Mark Deeks of ShamSports that looks at the history of the luxury tax, the Hawks name appears only once -- as a payer in the 2002-2003 season, when they were hit with a $3.7 million bill.

That team, which featured Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Glenn Robinson and Theo Ratliff, was an unmitigated disaster, finishing the season with a 35-47 record while costing head coach Lon Kruger his job.

Ever since, the Hawks have made sure to stay on the right side of the luxury tax line, despite handing out big contracts to Johnson, Joe Smith and Al Horford.

In the NBA, as in life, you get what you pay for, and Atlanta really hasn't paid for much over the last decade.

For more coverage of the Hawks, stay tuned to Peachtree Hoops.

Atlanta Hawks 'Not Looking To Trade' Josh Smith

Atlanta's new general manager doesn't intend to trade Josh Smith, despite Smith's request for a trade.

Brad Wanamaker, Keith Benson Named To Summer League All-Free Agent Team

The summer leagues are good opportunities for D-league and undrafted players to make their marks, and two Hawks players did just that.

Two of Atlanta's summer league players have been named to Scott Schroeder's Summer League All-Free Agent Team: point guard Brad Wanamaker and center Keith Benson.

Here is some of what Schroeder had to say about Wanamaker:

After being the de facto third-string point guard for the Austin Toros this past season (behind Justin Dentmon and Squeaky Johnson), Wanamaker looked pretty good down in Vegas despite rather humble averages of 6.8 points and 4.2 assists in 18 minutes of action.

As for Benson:

Kito Benson was lethargic throughout his rookie season in the D-League after not being able to make good as a second round pick by the Atlanta Hawks last season due to the Ivan Johnson experience. Benson looked much better in Vegas, though, as he was aggressive en route to 13.2 points and six rebounds per contest. If he'd have played the way in the D-League like he did in Vegas, he wouldn't have had to worry about entering Summer League as a free agent hopeful.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Undrafted Free Agent Kent Bazemore Drawing Interest From Hawks

Kent Bazemore went undrafted, but a strong Summer League performance with the Golden State Warriors has brought him a couple of suitors, including the Hawks.

Undrafted free agent and SL stud Kent Bazemore is drawing serious interest from the Hawks, Warriors and more. Will choose this week.

— Yannis Koutroupis (@YannisHW) July 23, 2012

The former Old Dominion guard averaged 8.5 points over four Summer League games, although he played just 13 minutes total in the final two games. He recorded a total of 24 points and 12 rebounds in the first two full games. He also had seven blocks against the Bulls in the second game.

As a senior at ODU, Bazemore averaged 15.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists last season.

Dwight Howard Sending More Mixed Signals? Not Really

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Magic Center Now Willing To Sign Extension With Lakers, According To Report

While it is debatable as to whether or not you really want to believe any reports involving Dwight Howard a new one is suggesting that he has softened his stance and is willing to re-sign with the Lakers if traded to L.A.

Sources confirm @JRudolphSports report that Dwight Howard is ready to join Lakers. If traded to LA DH will re-sign long-term with team

— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 19, 2012

Of course no one in Howard's camp is talking publicly so its hard to say whether or not the report is accurate but at some point Howard has to look to another team as it appears Brooklyn is out of the running until at least January. The Lakers have the most logical trade piece in the league to offer for Howard in Andrew Bynum.

This is bad news for the Hawks who have cleared the deck to have max cap space available starting next summer when Howard becomes a free agent. However, if this situation has shown us anything its that anything is possible until the ink is dry on Howard's new contract.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Hawks Trade Rumors: Josh Smith No Longer Wants To Be Traded

All of Danny Ferry's moves seem to be having an effect on at least one member of the Atlanta Hawks. Power forward Josh Smith indicated in an interview with SI.com's Sam Amick that he no longer wants to be traded from the team that he has played his entire career for.

Asked if he still wants to be traded, Smith promptly responded, "No."

Smith never made his trade demands public but they eventually leaked out as did his unhappiness over a perceived lack of commitment to winning from ownership. Now Ferry is clearing the deck and Smith could be the biggest x-factor in the chase for Dwight Howard.

"You never know" about getting Howard, Smith said. "I mean, everybody has a possibility of getting him. To have a guy of that caliber would definitely be awesome. But he has so much going on right now that I don't want to clutter his head with any more of it. I know that he's going through a lot right now with that decision, and it's a long process for him. I don't really bother him about it. I just call him sometimes to check up on him and see what he's doing."

Smith is one of Howard's closest friends and the two stay in touch often. Howard hasn't shown any interest in the Hawks thus far but if Ferry has been able to change Josh Smith's mind maybe he can Howard's as well.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

NBA Free Agency 2012: Jonny Flynn Works Out With Hawks, May Be Leaning Toward Cavaliers

The Atlanta Hawks continue to explore the free agent market for options for the upcoming 2012-13 NBA season. one of the players they are taking a look at is free agent point guard Jonny Flynn, although he may have his sights set elsewhere.

Jason Lloyd of the Beacon Journal reports that Flynn has worked out for the Hawks, as well as for the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Lloyd reports that there is "strong interest on both sides" between Flynn and the Cavs, who could certainly use a point guard.

Flynn last played for the Portland Trail Blazers, to whom he was traded mid-season from the Houston Rockets. Over his career, he has averaged 9.2 points per game and 3.9 assists per game.

For more news and information on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

NBA Trade Rumors: Hawks Officially Announce Kyle Korver Trade

It took a few days longer than was originally thought but Kyle Korver has landed in Atlanta via trade with the Chicago Bulls for cash considerations according to an official press release by the team and general manager Danny Ferry.

"I appreciate the toughness and the competitive energy Kyle brings to the game every night, and we're very excited to add him to our team." said Ferry. "Adding him makes shooting an even greater strength for our club."

Korver averaged 8.1 points per game last season while playing 65 games with the Bulls. He hit on .435 percent of his three point attempts and adds yet another shooter to the Atlanta roster. The Hawks already acquired Anthony Morrow from New Jersey and drafted sharpshooter John Jenkins in the 2012 NBA Draft.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

NBA Trade Rumors: Hawks Reportedly Getting Kyle Korver In Sign-And-Trade Deal For Kirk Hinrich

According to a report by KC Johnson of the Chicago Tribune the Atlanta Hawks are close to obtaining Kyle Korver from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for what is probably a sign-and-trade deal for Kirk Hinrich.

The Korver trade is via Minnesota into Atlanta's traded player exception, meaning Bulls get 2nd-round pick from Minny and save $500K.

— K.C Johnson (@KCJHoop) July 13, 2012

Korver averaged 8.1 points and 2.4 rebounds per game with Chicago last season while hitting 43 percent of his three-point attempts. He is a marksman and has over 1,100 makes from three-point range in his career. The Hawks have made shooting a priority this offseason and Korver fits that mold well. Korver joins new additions John Jenkins and Anthony Morrow as players that should help space the floor well for Atlanta.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

NBA Trade Rumors: Hawks Linked With Kyle Korver

With the Chicago Bulls desperately trying to cut costs in order to match the Houston Rockets deal with Omer Asik, they've been talking to several teams about unloading reserve shooter Kyle Korver.

The Atlanta Hawks, who have a trade exception that would allow them to absorb Korver's salary without sending anyone back, are reportedly at the top of that list:

Korver talks with Wolves and Blazers have died. Assume Bulls will circle back to Atlanta, which has traded player exception he'd fit into.

— K.C Johnson (@KCJHoop) July 12, 2012

If Atlanta doesn't have to give up any significant assets, picking up Korver would make a lot of sense, as he would allow them to remain competitive without sacrificing any of their cap flexibility going forward. He'll be paid $5 million in the last year of his contract this season.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Orlando Magic Trying To Keep Howard?

The Atlanta Hawks emerged as one of three new suitors for the Orlando Magic on Wednesday in the long and bizarre trade talks to unload Dwight Howard. Along with the Lakers and Rockets, Atlanta was thought to be a potential destination after the Brooklyn Nets resigned Brook Lopez and basically removed themselves from the race. However, Orlando could be trying to make amends with their embattled superstar:

Oh boy...@RicBucher our show: A source told me last night the #Magic have gone to Dwight Howard and asked him to reconsider staying in ORL.

— Mike & Mike (@MikeAndMike) July 12, 2012

Atlanta's best pitch to Orlando/Howard was thought to be a trade involving Al Horford to Orlando and the potential of reuniting Howard with childhood friend Josh Smith, if Howard was willing to sign long term.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Hawks Officially Announce Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams Trades

They were reported a week ago but the separate deals to send Joe Johnson to Brooklyn and Marvin Williams to Utah were made official on Wednesday. The Hawks announced the deals in an official release by the team that included a statement from Danny Ferry thanking both Johnson and Williams for their service to the team and the community.

"The Hawks want to thank Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams for their contributions on the court and in the community," said Ferry. "We felt with the team that we had, we were probably going to maintain the status quo and not be able to reach a championship level. We now have the opportunity to work within the new CBA in a better way that will allow us to move forward and be opportunistic in the future as we work to build a sustainable championship level team."

In exchange for Johnson the Hawks received guards Anthony Morrow, Jordan Farmar and DeShawn Stevenson. Atlanta also received forwards Johan Petro and Jordan Williams along with Houston's 2013 first-round pick and New Jersey's second-round pick in 2017. The Hawks received guard Devin Harris from Utah in exchange for Williams.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

NBA Free Agency 2012: Jerry Stackhouse Reaches Verbal Commitment With Brooklyn Nets

Jerry Stackhouse agreed to join the Brooklyn Nets in a one-year deal worth $1.3 million, according to a report from ESPN's Chad Ford. Stackhouse spent last season with the Hawks and while he's past the point of providing quality minutes for an NBA squad, his veteran leadership and experience is something that could benefit most teams, especially ones that don't have a lot of it.

Just going up on ESPN: Sources: The Nets reached a verbal commitment with Jerry Stackhouse on a 1-year deal worth$1.3M

— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) July 11, 2012

Stackhouse will turn 38 early in the season and is entering his 18th season in the league. He averaged 3.5 points in about nine minutes a game last season with Atlanta.

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Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Orlando Magic Suspend Trade Talks

It's been a tumultuous day in the NBA on Wednesday, as expected. The Dwight Howard Saga, however, lives on, despite the news that the Brooklyn Nets have dropped out of the trade sweepstakes.

The clarity of the rumors isn't any more focused, even with the Nets out of the picture. The Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks all have been linked to obtaining Howard in the past 24 hours, and unfortunately for fans of all teams involved, it doesn't look like a resolution is coming in the immediate future.

Sources: Orlando Magic have informed Dwight Howard that they are suspending trade talks in favor of finding next head coach.

— Jarrod N Rudolph (@JRudolphSports) July 11, 2012

Nobody can really blame the Magic for wanting to hire its new head coach before dealing Howard. That way, whoever the new coach is can help have a say in deciding the organization's future, which will drastically change with a Howard trade.

For more on the Hawks, head over to Peachtree Hoops and join the discussion.

NBA Trade Rumors: Dwight Howard To Atlanta 'Gaining Momentum'

With the four-team deal between the Brooklyn Nets and Orlando Magic that would send Dwight Howard to the Big Apple looking like it's falling apart, speculation about Atlanta being in the mix for the biggest domino in the NBA has increased.

According to a report from CBS Sports Ken Berger, the Hawks are one of three teams who have been talking to the Magic in the wake of the Nets possibly bowing out:

With the Nets' longtime pursuit of Howard complicated by the withdrawal of Cleveland as a third team to facilitate the deal, the Magic's ongoing conversations with the Rockets, Lakers and Hawks gained momentum.

The presence of Josh Smith, Howard's AAU teammate on the legendary Atlanta Celtics squad, is presumably the main carrot Atlanta has in retaining Howard, so any deal with the Magic would likely be built around All-Star PF Al Horford.

Horford isn't on the level of Howard or Bynum as a franchise player, but he's locked into a long-term deal and could be a solid building block for an Orlando franchise that doesn't seem interested in a total rebuild.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Atlanta Hawks Interested In Kyle Korver, According To Report

As the Chicago Bulls rework their backcourt, guard Kyle Korver could be on the move, and to the Atlanta Hawks in a potential trade. The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that Korver is drawing interest in a sign-and-trade move, as he's due a $5 million option next season:

A different source said the Bulls were exploring sign-and-trade possibilities that could send Kyle Korver to the Minnesota Timberwolves or Atlanta Hawks, although his return to the Bulls hasn’t been ruled out.

The decision to pick up Korver’s $5 million option for next season doesn’t have to be made until Sunday.

Korver is a ten-year veteran of the league, first landing with Philadelphia after being traded on Draft night by the Nets. He's averaged 9.5 points and 2.8 rebounds per game and averaged 22.6 minutes a game last season with the Bulls.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Jordan Farmar To Be Bought Out By Hawks, Will Play In Turkey

Jordan Farmar's tenure as an Atlanta Hawk will exist only on paper, as his contract will be bought out by the club and he'll play in Europe, according to the Newark Star-Ledger.

Farmar played in Tel Aviv during the NBA Lockout last season, and asked to be bought out of the $1.5 million remaining on his contract after he was traded by the Nets to Atlanta as part of the Joe Johnson deal. According to the Star-Ledger, Farmar will sign with Anadolu Efes of Istanbul, Turkey for a three-year deal worth $10.5 million.

For all parties - the Nets, who were trying to clear room for Joe Johnson, the Hawks, who wanted expiring contracts to unload in favor of dumping Johnson's huge contract and Farmar, whose strongest offer came from Anadolu Efes - the move has worked out.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Dwight Howard Rumors: Hawks Not Giving Up Just Yet

If we have learned anything from the daily trade rumors and saga surrounding Dwight Howard it is that no team is really ever completely out of the running. The Hawks have checked in with Orlando on Howard and while they haven't been one of the most prominent teams mentioned they don't believe that they are completely out of the running either.

Hawks, I'm told, still think they're alive in Dwight trade chase. With plenty of pieces to offer and Josh Smith to lobby Howard to stay

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 11, 2012

Its really not that far fetched when you think about it. Atlanta has Al Horford who it could offer as the centerpiece of a trade for Howard that would reunite him with his childhood friend in Josh Smith. Atlanta has the room to sign both Smith and Howard to new deals and make them the faces of their hometown franchise.

However, the Hawks are unlikely to include Horford in any trade for Howard without some kind of assurance that Howard would re-sign in Atlanta. Howard has indicated that Brooklyn is the only team that he will re-sign with if traded but if no trade happens it could bring other teams into the mix.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Atlanta Hawks Officially Sign First Round Pick John Jenkins

The Atlanta Hawks have come to terms with their first round pick of the 2012 NBA Draft, guard John Jenkins of Vanderbilt, according to their official web site. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not released.

Jenkins led the Southeastern Conference in scoring the last two years, averaging 19.9 points per game last season for the Commodores. The signing of Jenkins conincides, almost to the hour, of the signing of free agent point guard and Atlanta native Lou Williams, the first moves to rebuild a back court that will be without Joe Johnson in 2011-'12.

Jenkins has already joined Atlanta D-League squad for play in Las Vegas. Joining him are 2011 and 2010 draft picks Mike Scott, Pape Sy and Keith Benson.

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Atlanta Hawks Sign Free Agent Guard And Atlanta Native Lou Williams

The Atlanta Hawks have signed free agent guard Louis Williams, formerly of the Philadelphia 76ers, according to ESPN:

The Atlanta Hawks have agreed to a deal with free agent G Lou Williams, a source told ESPN.com. Story posted soon.

— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) July 10, 2012

Williams is an Atlanta native, hailing from South Gwinnett High School in Snellville, where he declared directly for the NBA Draft out of high school. The 6-1, 175 lb. guard has spent his entire pro career with Philadelphia, averaging 11.3 points and 3 assists per game. Williams led the Sixers in scoring this season with 14.9 points a game despite never starting. He finished second for the Sixth Man award, behind James Harden of the Thunder.

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NBA Free Agency 2012: Rashard Lewis Could Still Visit Atlanta Hawks, 'Impressed' With Miami Heat

Rashard Lewis is living the dream, being overpaid and able to decide whether he wants to play for the Atlanta Hawks or Miami Heat. He's made a lot of money already, and he seems to be interested in joining the Heat next season, like a lot of mid to lower level free agents searching for a chance to play for a title.

This, from the Palm Beach Post:

The Heat may yet have better luck with Lewis, who has not officially made a decision, and could still visit Atlanta this week. Sources, however, said the 32-year-old finesse forward was extremely impressed with the Heat's presentation, enough that he is seriously considering taking the $1.35 million offer. That would be tacked onto the $13.7 million Lewis has already received from New Orleans in a buyout.

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NBA Trade Rumors: Atlanta Hawks Scoping Out Dwight Howard Situation

The Hawks' chances of trading for Dwight Howard either in the offseason or during the regular season could become a lot greater if the difficult trade deal the Orlando Magic and Brooklyn Nets are attempting isn't able to go through.

On Monday, there were reports that the deal could include as many as four teams and 14 players, some of whom would even have to renegotiate their contracts. If there is a situation where this deal falls through, the Hawks will be among the few teams still interested in dealing with the Howard saga.

This, from Michael Cunningham at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

The Hawks could offer Orlando better players than the Nets. But Atlanta could run the risk of trading away valuable assets only to lose Howard in free agency when his contract expires after next season.

Howard has given no indication he's willing to commit beyond next season to any team other than Brooklyn. He recently told Yahoo Sports that if a team other than the Nets acquired him, he planned to play out his contract and become a free agent next summer.

Read more on the Hawks at Peachtree Hoops and head over to the SB Nation NBA hub page for news and analysis around the league. Also, be sure to subscribe to the SB Nation Youtube Channel for video commentary.

NBA Free Agency 2012: Rashard Lewis Has Meeting Scheduled With Hawks

Danny Ferry has been kicking the tires on a lot of free agents this offseason and reportedly has a face-to-face meeting scheduled with forward Rashard Lewis.

Lewis was recently in Miami meeting with the Heat but left town without a deal and is continuing to talk to other teams. The Hawks have a need at the small forward position after trading both Marvin Williams and Joe Johnson.

Lewis played in 28 games with the Wizards last season before a knee injury shut him down. He was traded to the New Orleans Hornets this offseason and then received a contract buyout. Lewis has a career 16.1 points per game average but his best days are clearly behind him.

He is reportedly interested in signing with a contender so it remains to be seen how much of a shot the Hawks really have.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

2012 NBA Free Agency: Anthony Randolph Meets With Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks recently had a face-to-face meeting with free agent forward Anthony Randolph and he could be a potential targe once signings begin on Wednesday.

Randolph is talented but somewhat of an enigma. He was selected with the 14th pick by the Golden State Warriors in the 2008 NBA draft but had a hard time getting on the court for the Warriors. From there he moved to the Knicks where he quickly fell out of the rotation and was traded to Minnesota.

Randolph was productive for the Timberwolves after the trade averaging 11.7 points and 5.2 rebounds in 23 games to close out the 2011 season. Those numbers slipped back to 7.4 points and 3.6 rebounds in 34 games in 2012. Still Randolph is just 22 years old and at 6-foot-10 could still be an interesting prospect with whom the Hawks would not have to break the bank to sign.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Hawks Free Agency 2012: Atlanta No Longer In Dwight Howard Sweepstakes, According To Report

It doesn't look like Dwight Howard will be returning home to Atlanta to play for the Hawks any time in the foreseeable future, as it's been reported. Most NBA voices would explain that Howard has one team he wants to play for and that's the Brooklyn Nets, who just retained the services of Deron Williams with a max-contract and picked up Joe Johnson's deal from the Hawks last week.

That means the other teams in the NBA don't have the same level of interest in Howard as they did before, since he doesn't seem to have much of an interest in them.

Adrian Wojnarowski reports that in the latest proposal the Magic would send Howard, Jason Richardson and Earl Clark to the Nets in exchange for Lopez, Damion James, Shelden Williams, Luke Walton and up to four first-round draft picks.

The Lakers are also in the running to trade for Howard, but those conversations are not nearly as vibrant.

Read more on the Hawks at Peachtree Hoops.

Atlanta Hawks General Manager, Danny Ferry, Meets With Josh Smith

Last week, new Atlanta Hawks GM Danny Ferry pretty much cleaned house by ridding the team of the bad contracts belonging to Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams. That left Josh Smith as the new face of the franchise and also alone on an island.

Smith has expressed a desire to be traded to a team with a realistic chance of winning an NBA Championship, but according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Ferry met with his disgruntled star to try and address his concerns and assure him that he's trying to build the Hawks into a legitimate championship caliber team:

Ferry acknowledged meeting with Smith last week.

"It went great," Ferry said. "It went fine."

Ferry declined to elaborate on any details about the conversation with Smith but, speaking generally about the effects of major trades on players, said there can be shock initially.

"If changes are made there is a sense of loss because relationships get built in this business," Ferry said. "It takes time for everyone to adjust."

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

NBA Free Agency 2012: Hawks Showing Interest In Randy Foye

The Atlanta Hawks have kicked the tires on many free agents this offseason and you can add guard Randy Foye to the list.

The Mavs, Rockets, Knicks, Hawks, Suns and Bucks have registered interest in free-agent guard Randy Foye, league source says.

— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) July 8, 2012

Foye played in 65 games for the Clippers in 2012 but Los Angeles chose to go with re-signing Chauncey Billups and added Jamal Crawford instead of Foye. He averaged 11 points and 2.8 assists per game last season while shooting 40 percent from the field.

Atlanta's roster still isn't quite a clear picture after the Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams trades. The Hawks have a need at the small forward position currently which is something that Foye is not.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

NBA Free Agency 2012: Kirk Hinrich Has Verbal Agreement With Bulls

Hawks free agent guard Kirk Hinrich is returning to the team that drafted him as reports indicate that he has verbally agreed to a two-year deal that is worth just over $6 million.

Kirk Hinrich has verbally agreed to sign with Bulls. Terms not yet finalized. Story up soon at ChicagoTribune.com.

— K.C Johnson (@KCJHoop) July 8, 2012

Hinrich was traded to the Washington Wizards two seasons ago and then later traded to the Atlanta Hawks. He helped Atlanta defeat the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 2011 playoffs before missing the second round series against the Bulls with a hamstring injury. Hinrich suffered a shoulder injury during the lockout and missed the first part of the 2012 season. He averaged 6.6 points and 2.8 assists in 48 games for Atlanta in 2012.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

NBA Free Agency 2012: Kirk Hinrich Has Offer From Milwaukee Bucks

It looks like Hawks free agent guard Kirk Hinrich really wants to return to Chicago but is also drawing interest from other teams. Hinrich reportedly has an offer from the Milwaukee Bucks that would pay him approximately $4 million a season. Another parallel with the Bucks is that they are coached by former Bulls coach Scott Skiles who was coach in Chicago while Hinrich was there.

The Bulls have reportedly offered Hinrich somewhere between the veteran's minimum and some $2 million a season. Hinrich had one of his worst seasons statistically in 2012 but began the year injured and played much better down the stretch and displaced Marvin Williams in the Atlanta starting lineup.

Hinrich's good size and ability to defend both backcourt positions make him an appealing option for many teams.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Joe Johnson Trade Pushed Deron Williams To Re-Sign With Nets

While unloading the Joe Johnson contract seemed like a good move for the Hawks and a questionable one for the Nets, Brooklyn has been rewarded two-fold, as Deron Williams said the trade was the push that kept him with Brooklyn.

Deron Williams says he was close to choosing Mavs but acquisition of Joe Johnson pushed him to Nets.

— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) July 6, 2012

The Mavs had put a lot of eggs in the Williams basket, hoping to get the hometown guy. The Nets were criticized for the trade when it happened, but Brooklyn's faith has brought positive results, as they're considered one of the teams to beat in the East with the retention of Williams.

Johnson averaged 18.8 points, 3.9 assists and 3.7 rebounds for Atlanta last season. He was traded to Brooklyn earlier in the week for a handful of players with expiring contracts and a first-round pick.

Hawks Free Agency 2012: Small Forward Still Area Of Need

The Atlanta Hawks have been rumored as being in on several different free agents but it appears that the team's biggest need is at the small forward position. The trades of Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams leaves Atlanta without the two players that spent the most time at the position last season. Head coach Larry Drew indicated that the wing position would be a major area of need.

"We have to look at the wing area to bring somebody in that can help us," Drew said. "With having the six spots filled [including] the two draft picks on the roster, solidifying on the wing becomes more of a priority than a ‘big.' We could add another big but, right now, certainly the priority is strengthening the wing area and then possibly adding another big."

Peachtree Hoops writer Jason Walker recently took a look at the Hawks roster and projected the potential depth chart with the current group of players. If the season started today Atlanta would likely go with either a three-guard lineup of with Jeff Teague, Devin Harris and Anthony Morrow in the starting lineup alongside Josh Smith and Al Horford or Atlanta could bring Morrow off the bench and start Zaza Pachulia sliding Horford and Smith up along the frontcourt. However the Hawks decide to start it is clear that they need depth at the small forward position.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

NBA Free Agency 2012: Anthony Randolph Drawing Interest From Hawks

Rangy free agent forward Anthony Randolph will meet with the Atlanta Hawks this weekend, according to Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports. Randolph has been a salivating prospect since he came out of LSU in 2008, but the 6'11 forward has never lived up to his potential and consistently produced on the floor. He was heralded for his freakish length and athleticism in Golden State, but he fell out of favor with the Warriors and has bounced back and forth from New York to Minnesota the past two seasons.

New Hawks general manager Danny Ferry has been on of the more aggressive executives this offseason, but signing Randolph would be taking a flyer on an impressive athlete. According to Spears, Ferry's interest in Randolph will lead to a meeting this weekend:

Wolves free agent forward Anthony Randolph meeting with Atlanta Hawks this weekend, source tells Y! Dallas native meeting with Mavs Tuesday.

— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) July 6, 2012

An occasional Josh Smith and Randolph pairing on the floor would make for an incredible athletic show for the Hawks. Randolph played in just 34 games last season, averaging 7.4 points in 15.2 minutes per game. He was a restricted free agent but the Wolves decided not to give him a qualifying offer.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

NBA Free Agency 2012: Kirk Hinrich Being Pursued By Bulls, Warriors Among Others

Atlanta Hawks free agent guard Kirk Hinrich is drawing interest from as many as eight teams according to the Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson.

Per creaky jumpshooter @MSteinmetzCSN, Warriors have contacted Hinrich's camp. I've been told 8 teams in play, including #Bulls.

— K.C Johnson (@KCJHoop) July 5, 2012

Hinrich is also reportedly the top priority for the Chicago Bulls this offseason as they try to shore up their backcourt while Derrick Rose recovers from knee surgery. There has been no public reports indicating that the Hawks have shown any interest in Hinrich so at this point it looks like there is no shot of him returning to Atlanta. The Hawks acquired Hinrich in a trade from the Washington Wizards that centered on Jordan Crawford and Atlanta's 2011 first-round pick.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

NBA Free Agency 2012: Former Hawks Guard Jamal Crawford Agrees To Deal With Clippers

Dwight Howard Rumors: Will Steve Nash Make Lakers More Attractive?

The biggest threat to the Atlanta Hawks trying to get in on the bidding for Dwight Howard next summer will likely come from out West, especially now that the LA Lakers have acquired a top-shelf PG in Steve Nash.

That, at least, is the thinking in many NBA front offices, as Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reports in his latest piece:

"I think with Nash in the house now, they wouldn't need an assurance up front," one league executive tied closely to the Howard trade talks told Yahoo! Sports. "They know that Dwight can be impressionable and craves Hollywood. I think they would take that chance."

According to Wojnarowski, Howard and Kobe Bryant shared a "tense" phone call last year where Howard reiterated that he had no desire to be Kobe's "Tyson Chandler". Kobe, meanwhile, has made little effort to re-connect with Howard out of respect to Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol.

Nevertheless, Howard, a gifted pick-and-roll finisher who can defend all over the court, would be a better fit with Nash than Bynum, a low-post scorer who rarely leaves the lane. Howard would get 20 points a game just off cutting to the rim with Nash and Gasol on the floor, which is the last thing Atlanta fans want to hear as they hope the Hawks can regain relevance in the NBA next summer.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Iman Shumpert Could Be Headed To Phoenix In Trade For Steve Nash

NBA Free Agency 2012: Hawks Among Suitors For Rashard Lewis

The Atlanta Hawks have been extremely active this offseason with new general manager Danny Ferry at the helm. In fact the Hawks are rumored to be in on a number of free agents this offseason including Rashard Lewis. According to reports Lewis has the Hawks on his shortlist and is seeking a team's mini mid-level exception.

A source told The Post the Knicks were on Lewis' short list, along with the Heat, Lakers, Spurts and Hawks. Lewis, who can play small forward at 6-foot-10, is looking to sign for the $3.09 million mini mid-level exception after pocketing a $13.7 million buyout from the Hornets.

Atlanta suddenly has a need for a small forward after trading both Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams. If the season began today Josh Smith would likely be the starting small forward unless Larry Drew opted for a three-guard attack of Jeff Teague, Devin Harris and Anthony Morrow.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

2012 NBA Free Agency: Jason Terry Agrees To Deal With Boston

2012 NBA Free Agency: Kirk Hinrich Top Target For Chicago Bulls

Atlanta Hawks free agent guard Kirk Hinrich is drawing interest from several teams and is reportedly the top target of the Chicago Bulls.

Hinrich drawing plenty of interest, emerging as Bulls' top target. Gonna take more than vet's minimum to get him and Bulls know it.

— K.C Johnson (@KCJHoop) July 3, 2012

Hinrich was drafted by the Bulls in 2003 and played for the team until 2010. He has played the last season and a half with the Hawks since being acquired in a trade for Jordan Crawford, Mike Bibby, Maurice Evans and Atlanta's 2011 first round pick. He had previously expressed interest in remaining with Atlanta but that was before Danny Ferry took over as general manager.

Hinrich averaged 6.6 points and 2.8 assists in 48 games for Atlanta in 2012. He missed the start of the season because of a shoulder injury that was suffered while working out during the lockout.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Dwight Howard Rumors: Nets Trade Unlikely Due To Salary Situation

Just one day after trading for Joe Johnson the Brooklyn Nets were once again the center of attention as they agreed to a deal with Deron Williams and were one of the teams bidding for Dwight Howard.

However, whether or not they are a serious contender for Howard remains to be seen and ESPN.com's John Hollinger doesn't think that they have the moves available to them to clear enough salary. According to Hollinger, today's signing of Mirza Teletovic complicates the situation further.

The Teletovic deal is for the non-taxpayers' midlevel exception, which caps the Nets' salaries at $74,307,000 for 2012-13. They cannot go over by one cent at any point.

Put in Williams at $17,177,193, Wallace at $8.9 million, Evans at $1.6 million, Teletovic at $5 million, Johnson at $19,752, 645 and MarShon Brooks at $1,160,040, and the Nets are in a pickle before they even pick up a phone to call Orlando.The hold for Humphries is $12 million, the hold for Lopez $7,692,458 and the hold for Green $854,389.

The league also adds a charge for empty roster spots, at the rock-bottom minimum of $473,604, figuring you eventually intend to fill them in order to field a team. Add three "holds" to get the Brooklyn roster to 12 players, and that's another $1,420,8162.

So according to Hollinger's math the Nets currently have approximately $76 million on the books and they are only allowed some $74.3 million. Try fitting Howard's $19 million plus salary into that and still field a league minimum of 12 players.

But it gets really tricky when you try to make room for the $19,536,360 owed Howard. Even if the Nets use all three free agents in a trade for Howard and throw in Brooks, that takes $21,706,887 off their books. Add in Howard's money and three roster holds to get the Nets back to 12 players, and they're adding $20,957,172 back on.

In other words, it cuts only $749,715 from the Nets' books and leaves them a heart-rending $1,103,807 shy of pulling off a Howard trade.

So according to Hollinger the Nets may not be able to add Howard even if both sides wanted to make that deal. That leaves Orlando to look elsewhere and teams like Atlanta and Los Angeles a little extra time.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Hawks Offseason 2012: Atlanta Names Wes Wilcox Assistant GM

Danny Ferry's makeover of the Atlanta Hawks continued on Tuesday this time in the front office. The Atlanta Hawks announced the hiring of Wes Wilcox as assistant general manager. Wilcox had been working for the Cleveland Cavaliers where he was Director of Player Personnel.

Wilcox comes to the Hawks from the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he was most recently Director of Player
Personnel, as well as serving as General Manager of the Cavs' NBA Development League team, the Canton Charge.
He joined the Cavaliers in 2003, and held the roles of advance scout, college scout and pro personnel scout.

Wilcox got his start with the Miami Heat in 2001 in their video scouting department. From there he moved on to New Orleans in 2002 where he served as the Hornets' video coordinator. Wilcox replaces Dave Pendergraft who had served as Assistant GM and Director of Player Personnel for the Hawks under Rick Sund.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Dwight Howard Rumors: Atlanta Now In Position For Max Offer

By clearing bucket loads of cap space Danny Ferry has put the Atlanta Hawks in position to make quite a splash in free agency during the summer of 2013. In one week's time, Ferry has cleared up approximately $40 million in cap space for the 2013 offseason.

That is more than enough money to take shot at Dwight Howard as ESPN.com's John Hollinger points out.

The Hawks have thus quickly emerged as a potential destination for Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard, who grew up in the Atlanta area and is close friends with Hawks swingman Josh Smith. Howard is also close with Anthony Morrow, one of five players that the Hawks will acquire from the Brooklyn Nets in their pending trade with the Nets for Johnson.

Perhaps that makes Smith the most important piece of the puzzle now. For two seasons he has been rumored to be looking for a way out of Atlanta but now is reportedly intrigued by the moves that Ferry has made.

The flurry of action, after years of restraint from the Hawks, has also made a fast impression on Smith, sources said. Smith had been vocal for months about wanting to be dealt, but sources told ESPN.com that the swingman is excited about the direction Ferry has taken things in his brief time in charge.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Joe Johnson Trade: Final Details On Deal With Nets

Final details of the trade that will send Joe Johnson to Brooklyn have emerged and have the Hawks receiving five players along with a lottery protected first-round pick that the Nets got from Houston.

Atlanta will receive the contracts of Johan Petro, Jordan Williams, Jordan Farmar, Anthony Morrow and DeShawn Stevenson. Petro, Williams and Morrow are all expiring contracts and will come off the books at the end of the 2012 season. Reports indicate that Atlanta will buy out Farmar for $1.5 million after the trade is completed. DeShawn Stevenson agreed to a non-guaranteed multi-year deal which also pretty much makes him an expiring contract.

The draft pick the Hawks received is lottery protected through 2016. That means that Atlanta will get the pick as long as the Rockets make the playoffs and stay out of the lottery. Best case scenario would be for the Rockets to grab the 8th seed in the Western Conference next season.

RT @KBergCBS: 1st-round pick going to ATL via HOU is top-14 protected through 2016. Becomes 2nd-round pick and cash in 2017.

— Michael Cunningham (@ajchawks) July 2, 2012

Combining the Johnson trade with the Marvin Williams to Utah deal has cleared up around $40 million in cap room for Atlanta in the 2013-14 season.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Hawks-Jazz Trade: Atlanta Gets Devin Harris For Marvin Williams

The Hawks have traded Marvin Williams to the Utah Jazz for guard Devin Harris, showing even more drastic cosmetic changes to this Atlanta squad.

Just going online and on SportsCenter: Hawks have agreed in principle to deal Marvin Williams to Utah for Devin Harris to shed even more $

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 2, 2012

This is deal is similar to the one that sent Joe Johnson to the Brooklyn Nets in that it's acquiring an expiring contract to get rid of a lengthy and perhaps overpaid one. Harris' contract expires after the 2012-13 season. It puts the Hawks in position to go after Dwight Howard next summer, or possibly even pull of a trade this season to team him up with Harris.

The Nets appear to be out of the running for Howard because of the earlier Johnson deal, so this can only get more interesting.

Read more on the Hawks at Peachtree Hoops and SB Nation Atlanta.

Danny Ferry Proves That Anything Is Possible With Joe Johnson Trade

Joe Johnson Trade Talks: Deal With Brooklyn Nets All But Completed

It looks like Joe Johnson is headed to the Brooklyn Nets, and if he is, we can be pretty sure that it means Deron Williams is returning to the team next season. The Hawks get expiring contracts but no first round pick from Nets.

Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that there will be no first round pick, just expiring contracts.

As teams finalize framework of Joe Johnson deal contingent on DWill commitment, Nets won't be sending future 1st to Atlanta, source tells Y!

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 2, 2012

The implications of this trade suggest that Deron Williams is signing in Brooklyn and not with the Dallas Mavericks, his hometown team. Reports as of late have Williams leaning toward staying with the Nets, and a trade for Johnson's expensive contract that would only be an investment that coincides with that.

This should free up some cap space for the Hawks to pursue future free agents, possibly Dwight Howard in 2013. Howard will be the most sought after free agent next summer and the Hawks are almost certain to make a play for him.

Read more on the Hawks at Peachtree Hoops and SB Nation Atlanta.

Hawks Trade Rumors: Danny Ferry Is Open To Moving Josh Smith

The Atlanta Journal Constitution cites a source with knowledge of the Atlanta Hawks' plans said Ferry and the Nets are involved in trade discussions involving Joe Johnson who also says the team is open to trading Josh Smith, who expressed his desire to be traded to a bigger market before Danny Ferry was hired in June.

Smith's contract expires at the end of the upcoming season, and since he's already expressed a desire to leave, the Hawks would likely lose him for nothing if they don't trade him before it comes to that.

Smith told the Hawks he wants to be traded to a franchise he considers to be more committed to winning a championship.

"I have talked to Josh, and we agreed to get together," Ferry told AJC. "It was a positive conversation."

Read more about the Hawks at Peachtree Hoops and SB Nation Atlanta. Be sure to subscribe to the SB Nation Youtube Channel for video commentary.

Hawks Trade Rumors: Joe Johnson To Brooklyn Nets Could Happen In 48 Hours Or Less

The Hawks and Nets have been discussing a trade that would send Joe Johnson and his $90 million contract to Brooklyn in an aggressive move by the Hawks to move an overpaid employee and the Nets to surround Deron Williams with more talent and keep him away from going back home to the Dallas Mavericks.

Ken Berger of CBSSports.com says a Johnson-to-Nets deal could happen in the next 48 hours, and so should Williams' free agency decision. This, from Berger's report on Monday:

Williams will meet with the Nets and Dallas Mavericks Monday, and D-Will's resulting decision will be the domino that sends NBA free agency tumbling. ...

League sources believe the Johnson-to-Brooklyn deal has a strong chance of happening in the next 48 hours. If it does, it just goes to show you that you can have any collective bargaining agreement you want -- there's still no substitute for having one of the richest men on the planet own your basketball team.

Read more on the Hawks at Peachtree Hoops and SB Nation Atlanta. Be sure to subscribe to the SB Nation Youtube Channel for video commentary.

NBA Free Agency 2012: Chicago Bulls Offer Kirk Hinrich A Deal

The Chicago Bulls are in a state of flux with Derrick Rose possibly out for all of next season and too much money tied up to add a significant piece. So while the big names are off their radar, Atlanta Hawks guard Kirk Hinrich is not, according to CSNChicago.com.

It's been reported that the organization reached out to former Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich at the outset of free agency and according to a person with knowledge of the situation, offered a deal at or just above the veteran's minimum and below the "mini" mid-level exception, which could be under [Hinrich's] desired price range

Hinrich spent his first seven seasons with the Bulls, averaging in double-figures in scoring in all but one of those seasons.

Last season with Atlanta, Hinrich averaged a career-low 6.6 points per game and 2.8 assists per game.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Hawks Trade Rumors: Atlanta One Of The Busiest Teams In Current Trade Market, According To Report

New general manager Danny Ferry isn't wasting any time. According to CBS Sports' Ken Berger the Atlanta Hawks are one of the busiest teams in the current trade market. According to Berger the Hawks have spoken with as many as 20 teams and have at least a half dozen active discussions currently.

Atlanta has spoken with about 20 teams and is in at least a half dozen active discussions, source says. Nets/Joe Johnson one of many.

— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) July 1, 2012

Hawks may be the busiest team in trade market, mostly generated by teams calling to gauge posture of new front office, league source says.

— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) July 1, 2012

When Ferry talked with the media on draft night he promised that he would not leave a stone unturned when it came to the construction of next season's roster. Ferry added that the best chance for Atlanta to gain some flexibility was via trade. The Hawks are reportedly in discussions with the Nets for a trade involving Joe Johnson. Atlanta has also received calls on Josh Smith who is in the final year of his deal.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Hawks Trade Rumors: Joe Johnson Deal Held Up, Both Sides Still Negotiating

The Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets continue to discuss a multi-player deal that would give the Hawks some salary relief and send All-Star guard Joe Johnson to Brooklyn.

According to a report by Chad Ford, Atlanta is asking for expiring contracts and second-year shooting guard Marshon Brooks whom the Nets are reluctant to part with. Brooklyn is also showing concerns at including all of its expiring contracts in the deal for fear of having less flexibility in the future.

New Jersey would prefer to center the trade around Gerald Green which would be a sign and trade scenario and would allow them to hang onto a couple of their expiring deals. In this situation the Nets want to stay above the salary cap so that they don't lose their mid-level exception.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

2012 NBA Trade Rumors: Hawks-Nets Joe Johnson Decision Could Happen Sunday, According To Report

According to a report by Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski a decision on the rumored Joe Johnson trade could be reached on Sunday. If the two clubs don't complete the trade then the Nets are expected to begin pursuing O.J. Mayo.

Nets, Hawks could reach a decision on possible Joe Johnson deal today, sources tell Y! If trade doesn't happen, Nets will push for OJ Mayo.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 1, 2012

The most interesting part of this scenario is that it if this is true then the Nets likely aren't going to wait around any longer on the Magic for Dwight Howard. Brooklyn probably can't offer the most appealing trade package too Orlando anyway and teams like the Houston Rockets are offering a variety of assets to the Magic even without reassurance that Howard will re-sign.

A Joe Johnson trade for the Hawks would free up a lot of cap room and provide some financial flexibility. That money could potentially turn into a extension offer or a new contract for Josh Smith. New Jersey is one of the few teams that have the resources and would be willing to take on Johnson's deal.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Hawks Free Agency Rumors: Lakers, Jazz Among Teams Interested In Kirk Hinrich

Atlanta Hawks free agent guard Kirk Hinrich is expected to have a list of suitors including the Lakers and the Jazz which makes a return to the Atlanta Hawks unlikely.

Jazz also may have interest in Kirk Hinrich. Also, keep an eye out for some potential Ray Allen-Thunder buzz.

— Sam Amico (@SamAmicoFSO) July 1, 2012

If Hinrich were to return to Atlanta it would have to come at a deeply discounted price. He is the lone free agent that the Hawks have that made more than the league minimum last season and figures to get a decent offer somewhere else despite struggling last season.

The Lakers have long been rumored to have interest in Hinrich and his ability to play and defend both backcourt spots makes him a valuable commodity to a team.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Hawks Trade Rumors: Dwight Howard Trade Demand Could Derail Any Deal With Nets

Reports surfaced on Saturday that said the Atlanta Hawks were in discussions with the Brooklyn Nets for a trade involving Joe Johnson. However, Johnson would likely be a backup plan for the Nets in the case that they are unable to acquire Dwight Howard whom the Magic are now reportedly listening to trade offers for.

The Nets are in a tough situation that they are also trying to convince free agent Deron Williams to re-sign with the club. Acquiring Howard now would probably do so but the Nets can't afford to wait too long as Williams is also being pursued by other teams including the Dallas Mavericks.

Brooklyn has reached out to Gerald Wallace about re-signing and are trying to assemble a roster that Williams will feel good about joining. A Joe Johnson acquisition would give the Nets one of the best backcourts in the league. Atlanta is seeking salary flexibility and parting with Johnson would give them the room to offer a competitive offer to their own free agent Josh Smith.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Hawks Free Agency 2012: Ivan Johnson Does Not Receive Qualifying Offer From Atlanta

Ivan Johnson became somewhat of a cult hero for many fans in Atlanta this season but he may not be back with the Hawks after the team declined the opportunity to extend him a qualifying offer for next season. By extending the offer the Hawks would have retained salary matching rights to Johnson who is now an unrestricted free agent and free to sign anywhere.

Johnson is but one of nine unrestricted free agents that played for the Hawks last season. Atlanta currently has six players under contract and has the rights to two draft picks John Jenkins and Mike Scott.

Ivan Johnson appeared in 56 games last season and finished with averages of 6.4 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. After coming to training camp as a long shot to make the team, Johnson did just that and became Atlanta's backup center for a stretch despite being only 6-foot-8.

However, Johnson played sparingly in the playoffs and now appears that he may not be in the team's future plans.

For more on the Atlanta Hawks check out Peachtree Hoops. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Hawks Rumored To Be In Talks To Trade Joe Johnson To Brooklyn

With a contract previously thought to be untradeable, the Hawks engaging in talks with the Brooklyn Nets would help Atlanta create a more well-rounded and balanced roster.

Hawks Free Agency 2012: Atlanta Must Rebuild Bench Once Again

The Atlanta Hawks and Danny Ferry head into free agency having to rebuild the team's entire bench.