Steven Adams A Possible Hawks Trade Target

A Hawks team source tells The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner that Thunder center Steven Adams has been “discussed” by Atlanta as a possible candidate for a deal.

Adams, currently in the third year of a four-year, $100MM deal, is owed $25.8MM this season and $27.5MM in 2020/21. The summer of 2021 is considered the next major free agent class, and Adams’ deal will expire in time to keep the Hawks’ coffers relatively clear.

Adams, a 6’11”, 265-pound bruiser known for his defensive moxie, would serve as a major positional upgrade for the struggling Hawks. He is currently one of the key pieces keeping the 14-14 Oklahoma City in the playoff hunt. They are presently the seventh seed in the West. Adams holds season averages of 11.1 PPG, 9.6 RPG, and 1.1 BPG in 25 games.

The 6-24 Hawks have been exploring various current roster options as their starting center. Former Warrior Damian Jones has started 19 of the Hawks’ 30 games thus far, but was a DNP in the Hawks’ most recent contest last night. Jones is on the last year of his initial four-year, $6.1MM rookie contract. The Hawks could make him a qualifying offer this season, but Kirschner is dubious that will transpire.

Rookie Bruno Fernando has started the Hawks’ last two games, both losses. Veteran Alex Len, an unrestricted free agent in 2020, has started nine. The 26 year-old Maryland alum, drafted No. 5 in 2013 by the Suns, is earning $4.2MM this season. Fernando is the Hawks’ only current center under contract beyond this season.

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