Hawks Send Kent Bazemore to Portland in Exchange for Evan Turner

Kent Bazemore. Photo by Michael Spomer/CSM/REX/Shutterstock

Atlanta Hawks are not done with making deals this NBA offseason. The team confirmed on Monday that they have traded Kent Bazemore to Portland Trail Blazers while getting Evan Turner in exchange.

This move raised a few eyebrows in Atlanta, especially since Bazemore is coming off a strong season in which he averaged 11.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. The 29-year-old forward/guard was also the longest-tenured member of the Hawks’ roster, having been with the organization for the past five years.

One of the reasons why Hawks decided to trade Bazemore might be that the team wants to give their younger players like Cam Reddish and De’Andre Hunter more playing time in the next season.

“We are appreciative of Kent’s contributions to the Hawks organization and to the greater Atlanta community over the last five years,” – said Atlanta’s general manager Travis Schlenk. “We wish him and his family all the best in Portland.”

Bazemore himself also reacted to the trade via his social media.

Turner, on the other hand, averaged 6.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists last season while coming off the bench for the Trail Blazers. He currently has one year left on his deal.

“We are happy to add Evan to our team, a veteran who we  believe can help our club,” – added Schlenk. “The versatility he has shown throughout his career will be valuable for us this season.”

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