Report: Ersan Ilyasova, Hawks Work on Contract Buyout; Bucks, Raptors Interested

The Atlanta Hawks and power forward Ersan Ilyasova are reportedly close to an agreement to buy out the remaining portion of his contract.

Sam Amick of USA Today reported the news Friday.

Michael Cunningham of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution noted Ilyasova invoked his right to reject trades before the deadline earlier this month and said he liked the organization.

"There are a couple of days left, and I want to see other options," he said Feb. 6. "But I am really kind of OK being here. We've got something good going on. We are trying to improve as a team. I want to see all [trade] options, but I would really like to be here."

The 30-year-old Turkish forward signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Hawks in July after getting traded to the team from the Philadelphia 76ers five months earlier.

Amick reported the Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors are potential landing spots should the buyout become official.

Ersan Ilyasova with the And-1!

Ilyasova has averaged 10.9 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 35.9 percent from three-point range across 46 appearances for the Hawks this season. He ranks 33rd among 70 qualified power forwards in player efficiency rating, according to ESPN.com.

The Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers are among the other likely playoff teams who could use additional frontcourt depth for the stretch run.