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Atlanta Hawks sign Danilo Gallinari to three-year, $ 61.5 million contract, say ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who reports it’s the most expensive contract ever given to a player over 30 who has never been on an All-Star team. Atlanta’s desperation is what made such a deal possible. The Hawks have reportedly lobbied aggressively for the playoffs despite their youthful roster. The addition of Gallinari, one of the best shooters in the NBA, should help them do just that.
The Hawks probably weren’t made from there. They entered the offseason with over $ 44 million in ceiling space, and there are still about half of that left to work. Bogdan Bogdanovic, Joe Harris and Rajon Rondo are suspected targets. All three are offensive players. Just like Gallinari. The Hawks finished 28th in defense last season, and while their offense struggled as well, it mostly happened when Trae Young went to the bench. A more stable save point guard would solve this problem. The defensive issues are a bit more complex.
They drafted Onyeka Okongwu in 6th place in Wednesday’s NBA Draft and acquired Clint Capela on the trade deadline. With Gallinari probably also a power forward, it’s worth considering whether power forward John Collins might be available. He’s eligible for a contract extension this offseason, and based on his offensive production, that would likely be expensive.
For now, the directive seems to add talent. The Atlanta ownership squad appear determined for a playoff push, and franchise player Young was reportedly frustrated with last season’s loss. Giving Gallinari three years old at his age might not make much sense for their championship schedule, but it will at least make the Hawks a significantly better team next season.
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