Trade & FA 2025-26: Free Agency Starts 5pm CST/6pm EST

[F Gump]

I took a quick listen to the Locked On Hawks podcast about a potential AD trade. He was relatively okay with including Risacher in the deal, but pointed out that the Hawks have never paid the luxury tax. Looking at their cap sheet, if they trade for AD and Trae opts in they would already be well into the tax next year. They may need to find a taker for Trae before committing to any long term salary.

Agreed.  In fact, I also want an unprotected swap in a year where OKC or SA is getting our pick.  Interestingly, Trae/Risacher for AD and Martin works and keeps ATL out of the tax.  I don’t want Trae at all, but if it gives me leverage to get a much better package, then sure.

Yeah, I outlined this a day or so ago in this thread, in contrast to a DAL proposal using KP as the filler, whereas ATL wants DAL to take Trae. In this context, I see DAL base proposal being KP-NO#1-Risacher (which land ATL over the tax, close to A1, with future payroll issues), and it morphs to the following:

Trae-Risacher- NO1-another FRP (limited protection that will lessen year-over-year if used)
FOR
AD-Martin

Why might it work? Both sides get the primary benefits they really want, plus a bit more. 
-- ATL gets out of Trae contract, loses no real [proven/desired] talent only picks, their front line becomes VERY versatile and formidable (AD, KP, Okongwu), does NOT pay tax.
-- DAL gets picks, gets minor salary reduction now, retains room for Nemby, better cap future even though eating the salary for Trae.