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The Atlanta Hawks are "likely" to issue qualifying offers to both Mike Scott and Shelvin Mack before the deadline of June 30 according to league sources. The offers will make both Scott and Mack restricted free agents and give Danny Ferry and the Hawks the right of first refusal.
Mack would be in line to receive a qualifying offer in the amount of $1,148,163 from the Hawks while Scott would command $1,115,243. Both enjoyed breakout seasons for Atlanta during the 2014 season. Neither came to training camp with a guaranteed contract but both became essential pieces of Atlanta's rotation last season.
The team hasn't ruled out also giving Gustavo Ayon a qualifying offer but it seems less likely at this point. A qualifying offer for Ayon would be worth in excess of $1.8 million which is a lot for a player that battled injuries throughout last season.
From a roster standpoint it will be interesting to see if the Hawks do match an offer should a team give Scott or Mack an offer sheet. Atlanta just spent the No. 15 pick in the draft on power forward Adreian Payne who looks like he could help right away. Scott played some small forward last season but his defensive liabilities make him a much better fit at power forward.
Mack faces a similar battle in that he wrestled away the backup point guard slot from 2013 first-round pick Dennis Schroder. At some point the Hawks are hopeful that Dennis will be ready to rejoin the rotation on a full-time basis. Mack also played some shooting guard and is a good defender but Atlanta also has Lou Williams, and John Jenkins under contract for next season.