Report: Hawks expected to be front-runners for Gallinari, Rondo
A surprise team has joined the race for Danilo Gallinari and Rajon Rondo this offseason.
Rival teams believe the Atlanta Hawks are the front-runners for both free agents when the market opens next week, sources told Marc Stein of The New York Times.
Gallinari, 32, spent last season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 18.7 points and 5.2 rebounds to go along with 40.7% shooting from beyond the arc. He's expected to be one of the more popular big men available thanks to his ability to stretch the floor.
Rondo, who's reportedly also attracting interest from the Los Angeles Clippers, averaged 7.1 points, five assists, and three rebounds in his second season with the Lakers in 2019-20. He played a crucial role off the bench as they won the 2020 title and could serve as a mentor to Hawks star Trae Young.
Atlanta appears to be gearing up for an active offseason. The club is also reportedly interested in acquiring Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward. He's yet to decide on his $34.2-million player option for next season, though the Hawks could likely sign him into their open cap space if he opts out.
Teams are allowed to begin negotiating with free agents on Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. ET but must wait until Nov. 22 before officially signing players.