The Hawks and Thunder had preliminary talks two weeks ago about a trade that would involve Carmelo Anthony coming to Atlanta, but those discussions were never serious.
That might have changed.
After the Hawks acquired point guard Jeremy Lin in a trade with the Nets, taking $13.8 million of their available $20 million in cap space with his salary and trade kicker, there is a report that the teams are talking again in a deal that would involve Dennis Schroder.
According to Mitch Lawrence of SiriusXM Radio, there are talks between the teams that have Schroder and Mike Muscala going to the Thunder for Anthony, who would be bought out and become a free agent.
The Hawks balked at a proposed deal for Anthony while the teams was playing in the Las Vegas Summer League, holding out for an asset. The deal never was considered close, according to a person familiar with the situation. The Hawks were one of a few teams who could have absorbed Anthony and his $27.9 million final-year contract.
The deal for Lin leaves the Hawks in a precarious situation at point guard. The team acquired point guard Trae Young, the No. 5 overall pick, in last month’s NBA Draft. Schroder has three years and $46.5 million remaining on his contract, an annual salary of $15.5 million per season.
The Hawks have been trying to trade Schroder for weeks, but have not found a market.
General manager Travis Schlenk declined to discuss what the Lin trade meant for Schroder’s future in an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution last week.
Muscala is scheduled to make $5 million next season after picking up the player option on the two-year contract he signed last summer.
The Hawks getting an asset in the deal was the sticking point earlier this month and could be now. Schlenk often has said the team is looking to acquire draft picks as their rebuilding plan enters a second season.
ESPN reported earlier this month that the Thunder would work with Anthony and his agent to secure his release, either with a trade, buyout or stretch provision, for the forward to become a free agent.
About the Author
