Atlanta Hawks

Hawks deal Green to Clippers

July 31, 2012

Hawks GM Danny Ferry gained more of the financial flexibility he has sought by sending guard Willie Green to the Clippers in a sign-and-trade deal for the rights to Greek center Sofoklis Schortsanitis.

Schortsanitis signed a three-year contract with a club in Athens earlier this month and it is doubtful he will join Atlanta's roster anytime soon, if ever. The value for the Hawks is gaining a trade exception in the amount of Green's first-year salary with the Clippers, which wasn't immediately known.

A trade exception works as a credit the Hawks can use to make a trade while over the salary cap without meeting the usual salary-matching requirements. The exception expires one year after the date of the trade.

Green signed with the Hawks before last season and went on to post a career-best year in scoring efficiency. However, his return became unlikely once the Hawks signed free agent Lou Williams to a roster that is already heavy on guards.

About the Author

Michael Cunningham has covered Atlanta sports for the AJC since 2010.

More Stories