Hawks Must Cut Kispert To Fix Small Forward Rotation

The Atlanta Hawks find themselves with too many players and too few options, as they approach the start of the season. The team currently has 17 players, exceeding the league's limit of 15 ahead of the regular season. This issue forces management to make difficult decisions about which players to cut. Several key factors make roster trimming complicated: Corey Kispert's unfavorable contract, Buddy Hield's impending $10 million salary, and trade-ineligible personnel like Ryan Nembhard, Mouhamed Gueye, and Devin Carter.

Gueye is also sidelined with an injury. The small forward position stands out as the biggest need, with little depth between Dyson Daniels, Aaron Wiggins, and Lu Dort. Dort's form during the postseason raises concerns about him being the franchise's long-term answer. A trade to acquire Cameron Johnson from the Denver Nuggets, along with Jericho Sims and a second-round pick, could provide the Hawks with a dependable scorer.

This move would free up cap space without significantly impacting the team's long-term financial situation. Atlanta must act quickly to address these issues before the roster is locked in. The team has already bolstered its roster with CJ McCollum, Jock Landale, Aaron Wiggins, Lu Dort, and Devin Carter. These additions demonstrate the organization's belief in a deeper squad heading into the regular season.

Kingston Flemings' development is crucial for future success, but the Hawks need immediate help. The current plan envisions a three-guard rotation featuring Flemings, Alexander-Walker, and Daniels, with Jalen Johnson and Okongwu anchoring the frontcourt. Without a reliable small forward, the team's rotation will remain unstable.

Making a difficult trade now is the only way to fix the Hawks' roster woes and set themselves up for a successful season.