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.