Hoping to add to their depth and versatility, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported the Hawks will target unrestricted free agent Luol Deng.
As part of the plan, the Hawks recently began clearing salary space by dealing reserve swingman Lou Williams and the rights to first-round draft pick Lucas Nogueira to the Toronto Raptors for John Salmons, whom the team planned to immediately waive.
With the move, The Constitution reported the Hawks now have more than $15 million to spend in free agency and the team appears willing to offer the lion's share of it to Deng in hopes of finally solving the team's gaping hole at small forward. The Hawks have craved a wing defender type and the former Duke star has proven to be throughout his NBA career.
The 28-year-old has played 10 NBA seasons, the first nine with the Bulls, averaging 16 points, six rebounds and three assists. He was dealt to the Cavaliers at last season;s trade deadline, but with the team having used the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft on Andrew Wiggins has seemingly become expendable.
Lakers interested in Luol Deng?
The veteran Deng is also known as a model citizen and strong locker room leader, earning the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award by the Professional Basketball Writers Association for outstanding community service last season in addition to be honored for his philanthropic work in his native South Sudan.
Deng's best NBA season came with the Bulls in 2006-07 whne he averaged 19 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
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