Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Dunleavy Dismisses Buyout; Will Join Hawks Roster Tuesday

Newly acquired Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Dunleavy Jr. could have postponed Kyle Korver’s first game in Cleveland a few days if he decided to give Atlanta a hard time.

Dunleavy Jr., who, at first wasn’t happy with the trade that sent him to Atlanta, had a phone call with Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer who persuaded him to join the roster instead of pushing for a buyout. Dunleavy Jr. will report for his physical on Tuesday and is expected to join the team prior to Friday night’s home game against the Boston Celtics.

According to The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski, once Mike Dunleavy Jr. was persuaded by head coach Mike Budenholzer that Atlanta wanted and could use him, there was no more discussion of a buyout.

Dunleavy Jr., 36, saw his time on the court diminish in Cleveland playing behind four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, LeBron James. He averaged just 4.6 points in a career-low 15.9 minutes per game for the Cavaliers in just 23 games this season.

Whether or not Dunleavy Jr. will have a larger role with Atlanta is up for discussion, but what is certain, is that he is inked through 2017-18 with $1.6 million guaranteed. The Hawks still have plenty of time to trade him if things don’t work out with the team–as he wanted to join a championship contender if he were to be traded.