Bazemore welcoming players to Hawks with open arms

Kent Bazemore is welcoming all unhappy players to Atlanta with open arms.

Kent Bazemore is welcoming all unhappy players to Atlanta with open arms.

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.