The Atlanta Hawks have their eyes on a big man… but it’s not Shaquille O’Neal. David Aldridge reports on NBA.com that the Hawks are close to adding former Los Angeles Laker Josh Powell.
The Atlanta Hawks are close to addressing their need for a backup big man by acquiring Los Angeles Lakers reserve forward Josh Powell on a one-year deal expected to be for the veteran minimum $992,680, according to league sources. Powell is expected to pick the Hawks over Cleveland, Chicago and New Jersey in the next couple of days.
Aldridge writes that the move could signal a change of direction away from Shaq for the Hawks.
They explored centers like Brad Miller, who wound up signing with the Rockets, and looked into free agent Shaquille O’Neal, but weren’t willing to promise him the money or minutes he was seeking.