Report: Hawks interested in taking Marcus Thornton in a potential three-team trade
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Here comes the Atlanta Hawks to the rescue?
The Cleveland Cavaliers want to part with Jarrett Jack's contract to clear cap room for a potential signing of LeBron James. The Brooklyn Nets want to acquire Jack, but since they're over the cap, they would need to send back salary in the form of Marcus Thornton to make it work. But taking back salary would defeat the purpose of trading Jack for Cleveland.
Therefore, the two sides need a third team to facilitate the move. Cue the Hawks.
Atlanta is among the teams the Cavs have recruited to take Marcus Thornton from Nets in deal that would unload Jarrett Jack, source says.
— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) July 7, 2014
Cavs engaged Hawks in trade talks about a week ago, source says. Clearing Jack's $6.3m salary is key to opening max slot for LeBron.
— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) July 7, 2014
For the Hawks, the objective of voluntarily taking on Thornton's $8.5 million would be to acquire assets in the process, likely in the form of draft picks. The Hawks have approximately $15 million in cap room, and could absorb Thornton's deal without needing to match outgoing salary.
If the deal goes through, the Hawks would find themselves with some assets, the Cavaliers would move closer to having maximum cap room for LeBron, and the Nets would net themselves a replacement for back up point guard Shaun Livingston, who has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Golden State Warriors. In a way, everybody wins.
Last season, Jack averaged 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game while Thornton averaged 9.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.