Evan Turner traded for Kent Bazemore

[rondofan1255]

Portland is trading Evan Turner to Atlanta for Kent Bazemore, league source tells ESPN.

https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1143244996046282752?s=21

More on the Bazemore-Turner deal: The Hawks wanted to clear space on the wing to get Hunter/Reddish/Huerter more minutes. They see Turner in the backup PG role. The move also allows Bazemore to play on a contender.

https://twitter.com/chriskirschner/status/1143254814010368009?s=21

[number_n9ne]

Please, please, please let him get bought out. I need ET back on the C's just for the interviews.

[BitterJim]

Is Bazemore an upgrade over Turner? Because their contract situations are basically the same (1 year left at ~$20 million)

I guess Portland likes the fit more?

[number_n9ne]

Is Bazemore an upgrade over Turner? Because their contract situations are basically the same (1 year left at ~$20 million)

I guess Portland likes the fit more?

Apparently it's insurance in case Hood leaves. I don't get it for ATL.

[Fafnir]

Is Bazemore an upgrade over Turner? Because their contract situations are basically the same (1 year left at ~$20 million)

I guess Portland likes the fit more?

Bazemore can shoot.

By the end of their playoff run the Blazers essentially benched Turner.

[Evantime34]

If Atlanta buys out Turner I would welcome him back in Boston.

[Fafnir]

If Atlanta buys out Turner I would welcome him back in Boston.

No thanks for me. I'd rather give bench wing minutes to our younger players.

[number_n9ne]

Is Bazemore an upgrade over Turner? Because their contract situations are basically the same (1 year left at ~$20 million)

I guess Portland likes the fit more?

Bazemore can shoot.

By the end of their playoff run the Blazers essentially benched Turner.

Well that's just not true. He averaged 21.5 minutes in the Blazers/Warriors series. He even played 31 minutes in game 4.

[CelticsElite]

We have a potential Evan turner in Langford

[saltlover]

Is Bazemore an upgrade over Turner? Because their contract situations are basically the same (1 year left at ~$20 million)

I guess Portland likes the fit more?

Apparently it's insurance in case Hood leaves. I don't get it for ATL.

Only possibilities I can think of:

1) Atlanta is getting some small draft considerations (future protected 2nds) back. (Have not seen this reported).

2) Bazemore’s role was going to be reduced with the drafting of DeAndre Hunter, and Atlanta knew he wasn’t going to be happy.  Meanwhile, Turner might be more willing to mentor younger players while coming off the bench.  With a young team, it would better for their development if that’s the case.

3) Turner is willing to take a buyout and give up more money to hit free agency than Bazemore would have been, so the Hawks would save money/gain flexibility.

Don’t know if any of the above are true, but I feel any could be.

[saltlover]

If Atlanta buys out Turner I would welcome him back in Boston.

In general I agree with this.  He played well here and clearly earned Brad’s trust.  If Rozier stays, I don’t think there’s room, but if not, I think Turner would be an excellent backup PG on this team.

[nickagneta]

Is Bazemore an upgrade over Turner? Because their contract situations are basically the same (1 year left at ~$20 million)

I guess Portland likes the fit more?

Apparently it's insurance in case Hood leaves. I don't get it for ATL.

Only possibilities I can think of:

1) Atlanta is getting some small draft considerations (future protected 2nds) back. (Have not seen this reported).

2) Bazemore’s role was going to be reduced with the drafting of DeAndre Hunter, and Atlanta knew he wasn’t going to be happy.  Meanwhile, Turner might be more willing to mentor younger players while coming off the bench.  With a young team, it would better for their development if that’s the case.

3) Turner is willing to take a buyout and give up more money to hit free agency than Bazemore would have been, so the Hawks would save money/gain flexibility.

Don’t know if any of the above are true, but I feel any could be.

Agree that for Atlanta this is, much like the Conley trade for Memphis, a move to open up a role to move their high draft pick into. Hunter will just move right into Bazemore's role and minutes and be allowed to develop under the fire of the starter/6th man minutes he will receive.

Turner turns into trade fodder, a veteran in the locker room/mentor role or becomes a buyout that might save the team a couple million if Turner is willing. Turner could be a decent, expiring salary trade asset for Atlanta where they take on a bad contract with years on the books and grab a future 1st rounder or two to use in their youth movement rebuild.

[BitterJim]

Is Bazemore an upgrade over Turner? Because their contract situations are basically the same (1 year left at ~$20 million)

I guess Portland likes the fit more?

Apparently it's insurance in case Hood leaves. I don't get it for ATL.

Only possibilities I can think of:

1) Atlanta is getting some small draft considerations (future protected 2nds) back. (Have not seen this reported).

2) Bazemore’s role was going to be reduced with the drafting of DeAndre Hunter, and Atlanta knew he wasn’t going to be happy.  Meanwhile, Turner might be more willing to mentor younger players while coming off the bench.  With a young team, it would better for their development if that’s the case.

3) Turner is willing to take a buyout and give up more money to hit free agency than Bazemore would have been, so the Hawks would save money/gain flexibility.

Don’t know if any of the above are true, but I feel any could be.

One thing I saw from Hawks fans on Reddit is that they need more playmaking behind/beside Trae Young, so Turner definitely fits that better than Bazemore

I could still see a 2nd or some cash going to the Hawks, though, since a straight up one-for-one deal is really tough/rare

[Fafnir]

Is Bazemore an upgrade over Turner? Because their contract situations are basically the same (1 year left at ~$20 million)

I guess Portland likes the fit more?

Bazemore can shoot.

By the end of their playoff run the Blazers essentially benched Turner.

Well that's just not true. He averaged 21.5 minutes in the Blazers/Warriors series. He even played 31 minutes in game 4.

Hmm, didn't realize he played so many in game 4. I remember them going small in desperation mode just didn't remember him doing much.

Must of got that impression from the OKC series where it looks like he did get essentially benched for a few games.

[hwangjini_1]

If Atlanta buys out Turner I would welcome him back in Boston.

No thanks for me. I'd rather give bench wing minutes to our younger players.

agreed. plus, to be honest, romeo langford's style reminds me a little of turner.