Tiago Splitter to Hawks: Latest Trade Details, Comments, Reaction

The San Antonio Spurs traded center Tiago Splitter to the Atlanta Hawks in the wake of their big free-agent moves.

The Hawks confirmed the deal on July 9, announcing they had acquired Splitter for the rights to Georgios Printezis and a top-55 protected 2017 second-round pick, via Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports first reported an agreement was in place.

Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders provided some insight on Splitter's arrival to Atlanta:

It's a trade that makes sense for both sides.

The Spurs have been heavily linked to coveted free agent LaMarcus Aldridge in recent weeks. Moving Splitter gives them the room, both in terms of the salary cap and on the roster, to make him the type of contract offer it will take to possibly lure him to San Antonio.

Wojnarowski notes the situation has allowed the franchise to achieve "front-runner status" in the crowded pursuit of the power forward. He averaged 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds while playing for the Portland Trail Blazers last season.

For Atlanta, Splitter represents frontcourt depth as the Hawks await word on the future of Paul Millsap. The latest update, from Tony Jones of the Salt Lake Tribune, states the forward is going to decide between Atlanta and the Orlando Magic.

Now the Hawks are prepared for either outcome, with their new addition taking on a bigger role if Millsap decides to leave. The Brazilian checked in at 8.2 points and 4.8 rebounds in limited duty (19.8 minutes per game) for the Spurs last season and has dealt with nagging calf problems.

So both teams accomplish one of their offseason goals. That said, if this move allows the Spurs to land Aldridge, there's no doubt they receive the biggest prize of all.