Atlanta Hawks: Hawks trade Willie Green for rights to Greek center Schortsanitis
Hawks GM Danny Ferry gained some more of the financial flexibility he covets by sending Willie Green to the Clippers in a sign-and-trade for the rights to Greek center Sofoklis Schortsanitis.
Schortsanitis signed a three-year contract with Athens club Panathinaikos earlier this month so chances are he won’t be joining Atlanta’s roster. The value for the Hawks in the deal is gaining a trade exception in the amount of Green’s first-year salary with the Clippers, which wasn’t immediately known.
Update: According to ESPN.com’s John Hollinger, the exception is worth between $1.65 million and $2.75 million.
A trade exception works as a sort of credit that would allow the Hawks to make a trade while over the salary cap without meeting the usual salary-matching requirements. The credit expires one year from the date of the trade.
The Clippers selected Schortsanitis in the second round of the 2003 draft. He was listed at 6-9 and 345 pounds while playing for the Clippers’ summer league entry in 2010. Schortsanitis played for Olympiacos and Maccabi before joining Panathinaikos.
Green signed with the Hawks before last season and went on to post a career-best year in scoring efficiency. His 1.04 points scored per possession (on 395 possessions used) ranked 24th in the league, according to Synergy Sports Technology.
Like pretty much every key Hawks reserve, Green struggled to score in the playoffs against the Celtics. In addition, Green’s defensive weaknesses–too slow to handle quicker opponents, too small to check bigger foes–were magnified during that series.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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219 comments Add your comment
hawksfaninthewest
July 30th, 2012
9:39 pm
So basically we gained a trade exception of around 2 mill for a player that we were not going to re-sign anyway. …And oh yeah the rights to some dude that we will never have to pay. Looks like every move Ferry has made thus far is a good one.
steven a smith
July 30th, 2012
9:39 pm
Mickael Pietrus would fill out this roster nicely. 2-3 year deal at about 6 million. Dude can play 2 positions. Morre importantly, he is a “lockdown” defender.
hawksfancents95
July 30th, 2012
9:47 pm
idk why but i think danny ferrys goal was to get dwight here all along. he knew asg and sund were not gona attract any major free agents and he had to show jsmooth he was serious about turning the hawks around and to the rest of the league that he can make a semi good franchise into something great.
i think he knows in Cleveland he fudged up bringing in mediocre guys to complement Lebron, like antwaan jamison and mo williams and he should of been more proactive and made the big deal to get LBJ another star to help his burden. well danny ferry has come into ATL and made the hawks one of the top 5 most talked about NBA teams this summer with all these moves.
im so glad we got a GM that has something to prove and has had a few years to sulk and gain new ideas and see how a model professional franchise evaluates and runs a true operation(SA Spurs). ASG made a great move and they deserve credit as well for bringing in GM DF.
Astro Joe
July 30th, 2012
9:48 pm
I’d be surprised if Ferry offers a 2 year guaranteed contract to any SF at this point. It seems the master plan is to have cap space next summer to do some serious shopping in the most exclusive neighborhoods… signing any SF still on the market after 7 weeks of free agency to a multi-year guaranteed contract would seem like over-paying. A single year contract to someone like Pietrus, Josh Howard or Delfino seems far more likely (to me).
steven a smith
July 30th, 2012
9:59 pm
Danny has a tough decision to make in regards to Al Horford. He would have been better served to move Horford and have a shooter at the “4″ like Ryan Anderson. Too late for Anderson, however, a stretch “4″ would be interesting.
Atlanta Hawks: Hawks trade Willie Green for rights to Greek center Schortsanitis | Atlanta Informer
July 30th, 2012
10:01 pm
[...] News here – Atlanta Hawks ← Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed appoints Duriya Farooqui as city’s chief operating officer [...]
Chuck Finley
July 30th, 2012
10:09 pm
6′9″ and 345lbs!! Dang! Trade him to the Falcons for maybe Tony G. He was a pretty good bball man back in the day.
MattP
July 30th, 2012
10:13 pm
Good move since the Hawks were not going to resign Green. Might be another Hawks trade later this off season with this guard heavy roster and trade exception.
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 30th, 2012
10:14 pm
That Greek center is making my heart pound! Get him to Hotlanta, Danny Baby!!
Double Dribble
July 30th, 2012
10:22 pm
So, I’ve decided that Danny Ferry either 1) has very compromising pictures from last year’s GMs meetings or 2) is a Jedi Master using the Jedi Mind Trick to get all of these trades completed.
Seriously though, when are we all gonna wake up from this dream. We actually have a GM that knows what he is doing and is being allowed to do it.
I still hate the ASG for shipping my icebirds north, but if they actually will build a real championship contender out of the Hawks, then I’ll quit calling for them to be kicked out of the country.
vava74
July 30th, 2012
11:05 pm
It looks like either Sund had no idea how pull a stint like this or was too lazy to fill up the paperwork necessary to do it!
SteveW
July 30th, 2012
11:22 pm
AJ – The Bi-Annual exception – 2 years at 1.9 mill per annum wouldn’t kill us on cap space for next season. May even help us if we get a guy we think can help next season.
The Hawks may not have a #1 offensive option this season – I think it will be an inside – out game, with Josh and Al down low, Lou and Teague outside, and a guy like Morrow floating on the wing.
I’m still not sure if I like us starting ZaZa (Big) or Morrow (Small). Maybe switch out on a nightly basis likely LD is prone to do.
But I am in favor of us starting Lou at the 2 Guard, unless we play Big. Maybe even if we play Big.
Alot depends on:
1) How good of shape Morrow comes in at. If he’s declining, bad for the Hawks. If he’s got a Championship mentality of hard work, like JJ and Josh, good for the Hawks.
2) And how does Jordan Jenkins do against “real” competition.
I hope ZaZa and Al are fully recovered from their injuries.
A 2nd unit of Harris, Lou, and Korver would be formidable – and Ivan up front is good – but it seems a little weak with Petro at the C.
That’s why I think Coached and executed properly, the small lineup of:
Al
Josh
Morrow
Lou
Teague
Would be very difficult to defend against. But of course there would be major defensive liabilites as well.
MC – 14 spots already?
Josh, Al, Lou, Harris, Teague, ZaZa, Ivan, Morrow, Korver, Jenkins, Stevenson, Petro, Williams, Scott? Sy? Who is that 14th guy?
And can we ditch Jordan Williams?
SteveW
July 30th, 2012
11:27 pm
Something tells me that Josh and Al may be licking their collective chops at the opportunity to play the SF, PF positions. Maybe I’m wrong, but Josh did lose an awful lot of weight before last season, like he was preparing for some more time at the 3.
And LD hasn’t had the best relationship with ZaZa and Teague over his 1st year especially. I wonder if he would start both of them if he could get around it? He did last season (started them both).
I’m excited for this season. Can’t wait to see which way we go. Or does Danny have another trick up his sleeve?
And on ESPN, it is listing Korver as a SF – but man I hope he doesn’t start. I’m just not a big Kyle Korver fan. But of course I hope he does well with the Hawks.
SteveW
July 30th, 2012
11:30 pm
Steven Smith – I’m with you on Pietrus. There’s a few SF’s left that are pretty decent. Pietrus can play the 2 or 3 well. A 2nd unit of:
Harris
Jenkins
Pietrus
Ivan
ZaZa
Would be very well balanced both offensively and defensively. Solid 2nd unit. Very solid.
SteveW
July 30th, 2012
11:35 pm
I look for Josh and Al to have career years if healthy, and at least Josh to make the All Star team. Maybe Al also.
Lou and Teague probably have stellar years also.
And I’m glad Teague gets to learn from Harris. So many folks compare Teague’s game to his. Harris made an All Star team, and averaged 21+ ppg one season.
Teague has had the opportunity to learn from Bibby, Jamal, JJ, and maybe now Harris (depending on whether he’s traded or not before the season). It can only help him. And Van Exel in practice. Gotta be good.
And what’s the deal with the Hawks and J’s in the backcourt?
Jamal, Joe Johnson, Jordan Crawford, Jordan Jenkins, Jeff?
SteveW
July 30th, 2012
11:36 pm
If only our BC can hit some J’s…
We may be one of the best jump shooting teams in the NBA right now.
Slimjr
July 31st, 2012
12:24 am
This dude is big as a house….One more burger and he’ll tip over…..
He makes Sir Charles look skinny…..Whew…..
No thanks….
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
July 31st, 2012
12:31 am
WE NEED BIGS. NO MORE GUARDS
Slimjr
July 31st, 2012
12:31 am
Danny is not bringing Moby Dick to Atlanta..
Good move Danny to create more flexibility! Danny is a Pro’s Pro for sure!!!!
MattP
July 31st, 2012
12:33 am
Funny how people fail to understand that this guy is not coming over to the NBA anytime soon, that is if he comes over.
Slimjr
July 31st, 2012
12:39 am
Danny is laying in the tall grass!
His goal is to pounce at the appropriate time and grab D12!
Throw Shamu back in the water!
Stay tuned!
Rev in Tampa
July 31st, 2012
12:41 am
I want to be optimistic about next season’s team, but every time I think it through I remember that Larry Drew is the coach and I lose all enthusiasm.
Rev in Tampa
July 31st, 2012
12:47 am
I agree with the thought expressed earlier that the Hawks should bring in a servicable SF for a one-year contract. Free up the cap-space to begin building a team that might actually be able to compete with the Heat in the Eastern Conference.
Rev in Tampa
July 31st, 2012
12:52 am
If Danny Ferry somehow finds a way to fire Larry Drew and replace him with a competent coach before the camp opens he should get the key to the city.
PD
July 31st, 2012
12:57 am
Pietrus if he can stay healthy should be on the Hawks. I think Zaza should start this year.
Teague
Jenkins or Williams
Smith
Horford
Zaza
2nd Unit
Harris
Jenkins
Pietrus
Ivan
Benson
Hawksfan
July 31st, 2012
1:07 am
hey you guys according to bleacher report Tyreke Evans could be a possible free agent signee for the hawks and maybe we should pursue another consider instead of all the eggs in the D12 basket. and i know we may not like this one but Andray Blatche is still out there. Oh and maybe we could eventually make a trade for Tyreke because hes proven to be a combo 1 and 2 guard and though it was shaky a little bit of the small forward and has great size 1 6′6 him and tegue can play together with Tyreke at the 2.
2 FOR JOHN DREW
July 31st, 2012
1:08 am
Welcome back MC
Hawksfan
July 31st, 2012
1:08 am
My bad maybe we should persue another center not consider
2 FOR JOHN DREW
July 31st, 2012
1:16 am
Alright everybody let’s get this thang going …. I’m starved
soullrenaissance
July 31st, 2012
1:57 am
Welcome back MC. Not the same when you are gone freaked out troll hijack the blog everytime and poison hoops talk with their drivel…i like the move, as it seem DF is primed for a major move THIS offseason. But piggy-backing off what Rev said, the hat trick would be finding excellence at the head coaching slot _ not now but right now.
soullrenaissance
July 31st, 2012
1:58 am
/\ trolls
WHEN ARE THEY MOVING ?????
July 31st, 2012
3:22 am
ARE THEY STILL IN ATLANTA ???? TIME SLIPPING AWAY< NEED TO SELL AND MOVE ASAP !!! NO NEED FOR THIS LEAGUE IN THIS TOWN !!!!! GET THEM MOVING TO SEATTLE NOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SSchortsanitis
July 31st, 2012
3:54 am
Ya’ll got the gayest center in America.. Danny has contacted me to come and start for the hawks. I told him no Homo-Al horford has got to go. He agreed and so now I have a contract that his being bought by the Hawks.
You can not win if the opposition does not respect you in the middle. I will bring power and respect to the hawks. Hoford has got to go. You know if Amare punked him you can imagine whats going to happen when I get there. I would love to play with Josh. He has a winning attitude. This Horford guy has to go.
See you guys soon.
Michael Cunningham
July 31st, 2012
3:58 am
@soullrenaissance Shut up! you are the main one trolling. I see your IP being used under 4 or 5 different names. Im not going to put up with your foolishness.
Michael Cunningham
July 31st, 2012
4:03 am
!st team. Get used to it people
D Harris
Williams
Jenkins
Josh
Zaza
Michael Cunningham
July 31st, 2012
4:11 am
Josh is a budding Super Star, Look for Josh to have another great year. He carried us last year, while Al Laid out. I dont expect much from Al, but the usual college try. He will bring 12 pts and 8rbs to the game. I think he may get more of a bench role. We have to up grade the center position.
But Yeah, Slimjr. Josh is expected to have another stellar year. Most people dont realize that Josh’s worst season is better than Al best season, (he’s only had 1 decent season).
So we are going to move Al and Let him come off the bench, Kind of like a low post 6th man. Hes been punked too many times. No one respects us at the rim and dunk on us at will. Look for Al to have a smaller role. In fact if he wants he can lay out for the whole year like he did last year. We wont miss him at all. We sure didnt last year.
Michael Cunningham
July 31st, 2012
4:15 am
@Hawksfan we are going to trade teague the first chance we get. No more project s hit. Marvin’s gone and now we while get rid of teague and Al to clean up that bull crap and try and win a championship.
Michael Cunningham
July 31st, 2012
4:19 am
@Double Dribble Ive never seen your name on my site. What kind of troll are you? Are You soullrenaissance?
SSchortsanitis
July 31st, 2012
4:25 am
I will whoop yall sissy player center Al horford. No one respects him at the basket and he is gay
Michael Cunningham
July 31st, 2012
4:28 am
*Marvin’s gone and now we will get rid of teague and Al to clean up that bull crap and try and win a championship.
Harris will start over Teague. It another opportunity for teague to learn. If he doesnt learn this time we ship him.
Dyer Crowell Driving School
July 31st, 2012
4:52 am
Salary cap space is fine if players want to play in Atlanta. Problem is, step outside Philips and odds are you will get mugged.
vava74
July 31st, 2012
4:56 am
Barnes has been arrested in LA on a outstanding warrant relating to a driving without license offense.
ummm… I doubt that Ferry will look into signing Barnes since he seems to prefer “squeaky clean” type of players.
On the other hand, Barnes may be looking to a fresh start (another) away from his hometown cops.
vava74
July 31st, 2012
4:58 am
T-S,
You are starting way to early today. Wait for the regulars or you are wasting your finger tips.
Marcus
July 31st, 2012
6:25 am
MC or any of the regulars,
I remember during the 2010-2011 season on one round-table on NBA TV, C-Webb, and others (maybe Kenny Smith and Barkley?) were talking about the Hawks and why no one wanted to come to ATL.
Does the fact that D. Ferry is now our GM (with his track record) and/or the moves he has made (shocking to those inside and outside ATL) create a better perspective for potential FAs to come to the Hawks?
Is our sell job on the next years FA players based on current Hawks personnel that we keep or the change in management (or combination thereof)?
jay
July 31st, 2012
8:13 am
ESPN insider: The Golden State Warriors will have 15 players under contract within the next few days which means Dominic McGuire may have to sign with another team.
McGuire was the Warriors best defender last season and Marcus Thompson II of The Oakland Tribune suggests a couple scenarios which could keep him with the team. They include waiving Kent Bazemore, who has a non-guaranteed contract, and trading Jeremy Tyler or Andris Biedrins.
McGuire will likely have to accept a veteran minimum contract and the Hawks, Hornets and Bobcats might have interest in the forward
Slimjr
July 31st, 2012
8:23 am
MC, Al will start and hopefull remind Orlando that he is worth trading for…
In tragic News:
Why are 49 million people on food stamps? Dam…..
Slimjr
July 31st, 2012
8:24 am
His people are destroyed for “lack of knowledge”. Sad just sad…..
Slimjr
July 31st, 2012
8:26 am
Barnes= Diva
No thanks….
Slimjr
July 31st, 2012
8:26 am
[hopefully]^^^^
doc
July 31st, 2012
8:38 am
sounds like barnes is on the josh powell side of his career. i had said he would fill a gap and provide something we need. on second thought, we dont need any meat heads around here that can t play. that may be a description of barnes at this point. i say pass on barnes at this point.