SHARP
Heard from my top source this morning, adding a few teams to my list of possible Sharp destinations:
Boston, Washington, Philly. I still believe Florida and Toronto lead the way, however.
The Hawks are talking to Sharp today about “his future,” and that will likely include a discussion of where he will waive to go. It is very likely in some of these trade scenarios, the Hawks would have to take some salary back.
That complicates things, as in . . .
CRAWFORD
The Hawks are presently in listening mode only. Teams are calling.
The big factor here, whether the Hawks stand pat with Crawford this year at $6 million per, or deal him now, will be where actually the cap comes in. Everyone is assuming $71 million, but my source tells me the Hawks are legitimately concerned about a $67-68 million cap this year. In which case, Crawford is definitely on the market right now.
At $71 million, he likely stays this season.
If Crawford is dealt, who replaces him this season? Scott Darling or . . .
NIEMI?
There are whispers that Nemo could return to Chicago as a lower priced alternative to Crawford. Watch this one—but only if Crawford moves. Eklund also had it earlier this week and I am pretty sure I know his source on it and it is a good one.
BICKELL
“Very quiet.” The buyout scenario could be a reality.
VERSTEEG
The Hawks will explore moving his salary, he has value to other teams, and the Hawks will need to be ruthless as far as cost-cutting.
McDAVID/EICHEL
Heard from a source that there is an emerging point of view, among those who’ve interviewed them, on each of these top draftees in terms of attitude and demeanor. McDavid is as advertised. Eichel: “entitled and kind of a jack a--.”
Caveat Emptor, Buffalo.
JJ
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