OKC Thunder trade deadline: Hawks options offer depth and future salary relief
Taurean Prince:
Salary:
2018-19 – $2,526,840
2019-20 – $3,481,986
Prince is in this third season with the Hawks and averaging 13.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and a steal per game.
Initially, the Hawks appeared to have a player who resembled DeMarre Carroll who provided their 3 & D role for several seasons. But, Prince is inconsistent from deep hitting a career high of 38.5 percent in his sophomore season but regressed to 35.7 percent this year.
Still, Prince is a valuable asset who could easily fit into a structured system and provide floor spacing, defense and be counted on to hit from range. So, why move him?
Value for the talent is one answer since Prince is still on his rookie contract and several teams will be keen to add an economical asset that can check boxes for shooting and defense. Or, perhaps it’s as simple as the rise of teammate DeAndre’ Bembry.
Like Prince, Bembry is a player who is active defensively and offers several tools. Unlike Prince, however, Bembry functions better with the new core with more rebounds (4.3) and assists (2.7). The 3-point accuracy isn’t on the same level but the Hawks probably think they can help him improve in that area.
That and Bembry is slightly younger and again seems to fit in with the new core chemistry wise. Shams Charania of The Athletic confirmed Atlanta is actively shopping Prince (note: this is a paid subscription).