OKC Thunder trade deadline: Hawks options offer depth and future salary relief

Dewayne Dedmon, Taurean Prince, OKC Thunder trade deadline with Hawks (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Dewayne Dedmon, Taurean Prince, OKC Thunder trade deadline with Hawks (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Dewayne Dedmon, OKC Thunder trade deadline preview Atlanta Hawks (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Dewayne Dedmon:

Salary:

2018-19 – $7,200,000

As per spotrac.

Atlanta will look to move their veterans at the deadline with a focus on both Jeremy Lin and Dewayne Dedmon. Since the OKC Thunder aren’t in need of shoring up their point guard position I elected to look at Dedmon instead.

At 7′ and still under 30 Dedmon is an attractive addition for a contending team. Factor in his new found range and his expiring contract and it makes Dedmon a pretty appealing target at the deadline. The 76ers who are in need of a backup center are the team said to be showing ample interest in obtaining the big man as per Tim Bontemps on ESPN.

"Atlanta Hawks big man Dewayne Dedmon has drawn the 76ers’ interest, sources tell ESPN. He would bring athleticism and defense, along with shooting."

Dedmon’s time in San Antonio showcased his ability to do more than just rebound or rim protect. He’s an above average defender who is the perfect backup on a contending team. This season he’s averaging 10.3 points and 7.4 rebounds.

But it’s the other tangibles he’s offering which make him so enticing. He dishes 1.4 assists, snares 1.1 steals, and a block per game. Yet, the pièce de résistance is his 37.4 percent perimeter efficiency on 3.2 attempts and 1.2 makes. Add that all up as a backup with his expiring contract and Travis Schlenk’s phones will likely be ringing with most inquiries being about their big man.