Hawks complete trade with Raptors (updated)
The Hawks finalized the trade that sent Lou Williams and the draft rights to 2013 first-round draft pick Lucas Nogueira to the Raptors for John Salmons and a 2015 second-round draft pick late Monday night.
The deal was agreed upon Sunday night but was pending NBA approval. The delay came as the teams negotiated a waiver deadline extension for Salmons, according to a report by Real GM. Per the report, the deadline was extended to July 10.
The Hawks intend to waive Salmons with a $1 million buyout. The forward had a $7 million team option that would have been picked up Tuesday. The trade creates more salary cap space for the Hawks at the start of the NBA free agency period. Following the release of Salmons the Hawks will have more than $15 million of salary cap space.
Williams, from South Gwinnett High School, will be in the final season of a three-year free agent contract he signed with the Hawks. He will make $5.45 million this season. Williams averaged 10.4 points, 2.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 60 games (seven starts) last season.
“The trade allows us greater flexibility as we continue to build our team and add players that best fit how we want to continue to grow as a program.” general manager Danny Ferry said in a statement. “Lou has been really good for us. We would like to thank him for his contributions over the past two seasons and the professionalism he displayed on and off the court. We wish him the best going forward.”
About the Author
Chris Vivlamore is the sports editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He has served as reporter and editor at the AJC since 2003.
