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Onsi Saleh’s tax comments reinforce the Hawks’ patient approach

Atlanta Hawks executive Onsi Saleh recently clarified the organization's stance on luxury tax spending, emphasizing that the front office maintains the power to exceed thresholds when the situation warrants it. Saleh noted that the team prioritizes strategic financial management to avoid the restrictive penalties associated with the NBA's second apron, which can limit roster-building options like the midlevel exception.

By maintaining this flexibility, the Hawks were able to capitalize on other teams' needs to shed salary, as seen in the recent acquisition of Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins from Oklahoma City. This approach aims to balance fiscal responsibility with the goal of surrounding Jalen Johnson with a more competitive supporting cast.

Saleh stressed that the decision to spend will ultimately depend on identifying the right opportunities to improve the team's championship potential.

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