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The trade involving Kyle Korver and the Cleveland Cavaliers appears to be a virtual certainty at this point. On Friday afternoon, Chris Vivlamore of the AJC brought clarification as to the specifics for the Atlanta Hawks.
Vivlamore brings word that the 2019 first round pick initially reported to be headed Atlanta’s way will be protected only through the first ten picks of the draft.
Couple of items on the still in flux Kyle Korver trade.
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) January 6, 2017
1. Hawks get protected first-round pick (11-30) in 2019. Option to move to 2020.
In addition, the Hawks will reportedly receive both Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Mo Williams. That influx of two players would force Atlanta to waive a current player to remain under the NBA’s 15-player limit and that player looks to be Ryan Kelly.
2. Mike Dunleavy Jr. AND Mo Williams will come to Hawks.
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) January 6, 2017
3. Expect Ryan Kelly to be waived.
It is important to note, though, that moving on from Kelly in the short term does not mean that he will necessarily be gone forever. Williams is, effectively, retired at this point and the Hawks could move on from the former All-Star point guard to clear a spot post-trade.
Technically Hawks can waive Kelly, trade for Williams and Korver, waive Mo, then re-sign Kelly, need spot for trade https://t.co/hLDTfUGFCk
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) January 6, 2017
Vivlamore’s reporting also indicates that the first round selection would be protected in 2020 if it does not convey in 2019, though a team featuring LeBron James would figure to make the playoffs in that season.
Dunleavy Jr. has been rumored to be on the trading block according to multiple reports and the Hawks could find a taker for his contract in the very near future. On the whole, the reported pick protection would be another win for the Hawks, especially in the event that Cleveland takes a step back as the roster ages.
Stay tuned for official confirmation of the deal, but the specifics in this case would be a small win for Atlanta.