With All-Stars Jimmy Butler and Paul George in trade rumors and uncertainty clouding teams like the Cavaliers and Clippers, there are many unknowns heading into Thursday’s NBA draft and the start of free agency July 1.

But Hawks swingman Kent Bazemore wants to put the NBA on notice and let all unhappy players know that they can have a home in Atlanta if they want one.

Bazemore, who had an underwhelming season after a breakout campaign in 2015-16, is now the highest paid player on the Hawks after the Dwight Howard trade on Tuesday night. Paul Millsap could take that title back, but Atlanta isn't expected to match the possible max offers he receives from other teams.

Fans had mixed reactions to Bazemore’s personal form of recruiting.

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Atlanta Dream forward Brionna Jones (24) controls the ball during the first half against the Minnesota Lynx of an WNBA game at the Gateway Center Arena, Friday, June 27, 2025, in College Park, Ga. The Lynx won 96-92 in OT. (Jason Getz / AJC)

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Scott Jackson (right), business service consultant for WorkSource Fulton, helps job seekers with their applications in a mobile career center at a job fair hosted by Goodwill Career Center in Atlanta. (Ziyu Julian Zhu/AJC)

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