The Atlanta Hawks’ ownership comes out against the luxury tax

The Atlanta Hawks’ season did not finish well, and the one continuous theme has been one of change for the sake of better. Onyeka Okongwu was pushed by general manager Travis Schlenk to return as a stronger defensive rebounder. The second-year big guy promised to return with a sweater.

Since the Hawks were eliminated, Trae Young has kept his promise and has been in the gym.

There have also been several hypothetical trade scenarios floated.

After Hawks principal owner Tony Ressler met with the media on May 5 to address the team’s present status, those are unlikely to calm down anytime soon. In many respects, Ressler reflected Schlenk’s remarks from only days before.

This summer will define by the Atlanta Hawks’ search for a second superstar.

According to Ressler, Hawks supporters may have been thinking about one problem since last season. Ressler said that the Hawks would pay the luxury tax to acquire a legitimate competitor. Perhaps the message was plain when Atlanta didn’t make any trades before the deadline.

More significantly, he agreed with Schlenk that the winter spending was looking for upgrades for this group.

Chris Kirschner of The Athletic shared Ressler’s comment.

“Yes, I believe we should have sought to improve instead of bringing back what we had.” That will not occur again. It was, at least in my perspective, a mistake.”

Sharing this viewpoint with his general manager is about as good a hint as we’ll get that some notable films producing in the future, even if there is no contract. Caleb Johnson of 92.9 The Game helped Ressler become a little more detailed.

“I believe that whenever possible, every club should add a superstar to their roster. That does not apply to us.”

With Schlenk and head coach Nate McMillan stating that they want to move Trae Young off the ball more next season, and the Atlanta Hawks’ offense stagnating when he isn’t, another star-level player seems to be in order.

Still, it’s wonderful to hear the owners admit this, even if it does entail paying a large luxury tax.

According to Sportrac, the Atlanta Hawks have the 11th largest salary cap number going into next season. And are around $2.3 million under the tax line before making any changes.

In their defense, half of the teams above them eliminate. In the instance of the Los Angeles Lakers, have failed to even qualify for the Play-In Tournament.

Still, it’s lovely to hear the owners admit this, even if it does entail paying a hefty luxury tax.

According to Sportrac, the Atlanta Hawks have the 11th most significant salary-cap number next season. And will be around $2.3 million under the tax line before making any changes. In their defense, half of the teams above them eliminate. For instance, Los Angeles Lakers, have failed to qualify for Play-In Tournament.

Ressler did not express anything like the same remorse about the persons he placed in charge of operating the business.

“To be honest, I’m engaging pretty in every big decision…

And I consider Travis, Landry, and Nate to be more knowledgeable about NBA basketball choices than I am.”

Read also: Houston: When it comes to a “major relocation” in 2023-24, Tilman Fertitta and the Houston Rockets are optimistic

Leave a Reply