Report: Hawks among several playoff teams that want Gary Neal
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With an empty roster spot and available cap space, the best team in the Eastern Conference isn't willing to stand pat while those coming at their throne fortify their rosters.
The Atlanta Hawks haven't been in heavy rotation in the rumor mill ahead of Thursday's trade deadline, but they could make a minor acquisition ahead of 3 p.m. ET. The Hawks are interested in Gary Neal, who the Minnesota Timberwolves recently acquired from the Charlotte Hornets and don't seem to have a use for.
A simple dump of Neal to Atlanta, possibly for a future second-round pick, would seem to make sense for both sides, but Atlanta may have competition. The Hawks are one of four or five teams pursuing Neal, according to Ken Berger of CBS Sports.
Atlanta has been tied to Neal since he landed in Minnesota, as head coach Mike Budenholzer is familiar with him from their time together on the San Antonio Spurs. Life hasn't been as grand for Neal since he left to sign a two-year, $6.5-million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013, as he's since been traded twice and has watched his numbers decline this season.
In 43 games, Neal is averaging 9.6 points, right in line with his 9.9 career average, but is shooting 35.9 percent from the floor and 29.3 percent from long range, easily the worst marks of his career. Neal owns a 38.1 percent career mark from behind the arc, and that, coupled with his ability to man the point in a pinch, is why a team like the Hawks may be interested.
Should the Wolves hold on to Neal past the deadline, Neal's agent is expected to pursue a buyout with Minnesota.