Luol Deng, who was at the top of the Hawks’ free-agent wish list, agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract with the Heat on Sunday.
The Hawks had talked to Deng and his representatives but it became clear over the past few days that the two sides were too far apart financially. The Hawks did not wish to pay $10 million or more annually for a player not deemed a franchise-changer.
The Heat needed a player like Deng after losing LeBron James to the Cavaliers and they had money to spend on the unrestricted free agent forward.
The Hawks agreed to terms on a contact with swingman Kent Bazemore Friday night. They have also agreed with Thabo Sefolosha during the free-agent period.
At this point, the Hawks may not make a major signing but could add a role player to round out the roster. The Hawks still have approximately $9 million available in salary cap space, giving them flexibility that could be used during the season, especially at the trade deadline in February.
Snyder thankful: The Jazz came calling and Quin Snyder had to answer. After spending one year as the top assistant for the Hawks, Snyder left the team last month to become head coach of the Jazz.
“It was the opportunity,” Snyder said at the Las Vegas Summer League in between catching up with coach Mike Budenholzer and former players Paul Millsap and DeMarre Carroll. “These opportunities are rare. What I got a chance to do with Bud and (general manager) Danny (Ferry) in Atlanta made this possible. It’s hard to leave some place when you really feel good about the people and the team. … All assistants in the NBA hope for an opportunity like this.”
Hawks lose: The "old" guard stepped up for the Hawks. Last year's draft picks Dennis Schroder (30 points) and Mike Muscala (15 points) led the Hawks but they dropped a 94-92 overtime loss to the D-League Select team Sunday after the Las Vegas Summer League.
Schroder was 9-of-14 from the field, including 3-of-4 from 3-point range. He also had three rebounds and three assists. Muscala added 15 rebounds.
The Hawks (0-2) also got 11 points from Lamar Patterson, 10 points from Adreian Payne and nine points from Edy Tavares. Payne hit the first two baskets of overtime.
The Hawks are off Monday and conclude their three-game preliminary schedule Tuesday against the Trail Blazers.
Holt shines early: Undrafted free agent Stephen Holt impressed in this summer league showing. The guard from St. Mary's had eight points in a loss to the Wizards as he made all three shots, including two 3-pointers. He was a team-best plus-17 in a lopsided loss.
Holt said the Hawks showed immediate interest following the draft.
“I was talking to my agent and it was the first opportunity that popped up,” Holt said. “We went with it. It’s been a blessing to compete these last few days with the guys and try to learn each other and be in this environment. Not many D-I players after college get a chance to be in this environment. I’m in this environment and am just trying to make the most of it.”
Contest winner: Millsap was in Las Vegas this week and spent time with the winner of a team promotion.
The Hawks erected a 3-D billboard featuring Millsap in March and offered fans a chance to enter a contest to win three opportunities to spend time with the All-Star forward. Susan Southavong won the chance to watch a summer league game in Las Vegas with Millsap. She was present at Saturday’s tournament-opening game against the Wizards.
Southavong sat courtside with Millsap and was joined by Carroll and Budenholzer.
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