Add Devin Harris to the list of potential Atlanta Hawks targets at the trade deadline.
The AJC's Michael Cunningham reports that Hawks GM Rick Sund has extended his search for some help at the point by including the New Jersey Nets' field general to list of possible acquisitions ahead of Thursday's trade deadline.
But the addition of Harris, who is averaging 15 points and 7.6 assists in 54 games with the lowly Nets this season, will not come cheap. Harris, who is making just under $9 million this season, has two years left on his contract. He is slated to make $9.3 million next year and $8.5 million in the 2012-13 campaign.
Atlanta also has point guard Mike Bibby under contract for $6.2 million next season.
Any addition of the Nets point guard would likely push the Hawks into the luxury tax next season -- that is -- if things do not change under any new collective bargaining agreement.
Cunningham reports that Jamal Crawford's $10.1 million expiring contract may be a logical fit for New Jersey to receive in return for Harris. That would clear up even more cap room in the offseason for the Nets, who will have just $27 million committed to salaries for the 2011-12 campaign if they move Harris and receive an expiring contract. However, the Netsmay look to sign Crawford as a free agent in the offseason.
New Jersey is eager to wheel and deal after losing the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes. The former Denver Nuggets star was traded to the New York Knicks late Monday in a three-way deal.
Other potential suitors for Harris include the Dallas Mavericks and the Portland Trail Blazers.