Hawks weigh timing on Dort extension amid roster flexibility
hawks-weigh-timing-on-dort-extension-amid-roster-flexibility
ATLANTA — The Hawks are not expected to open immediate extension talks with newly acquired wing Luguentz Dort, according to reporting by Marc Stein and Jake Fischer on Substack.
Atlanta landed Dort in a recent three-team deal driven by Oklahoma City’s cost-cutting efforts. The Thunder first picked up the 2026–27 team option on Dort worth $17.7 million, then moved him to the Hawks for three future second-round picks, clearing the veteran’s salary from their books.
The Hawks now feature seven players earning between $9.2 million and Dort’s 2026-27 figure, giving the front office a cache of mid-tier contracts that can be bundled with draft capital for a potential star trade. Management could pursue such a move before the February trade deadline or wait until next summer, when cap projections show more than $40 million in space.
While HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto recently noted Atlanta hopes to keep Dort past 2026-27, any new deal is likely to be explored later this season, once the club better understands its 2027 financial outlook.
Roster reshuffle
The Hawks have been active on several fronts. In addition to Dort, the team added Aaron Wiggins from Oklahoma City, Ryan Nembhard from Dallas and Devin Carter from Sacramento. Veterans CJ McCollum and Jock Landale both returned on one-year contracts. Atlanta exited the 2026 playoffs in the first round, falling 4-2 to the eventual champion New York Knicks, but views the revamped roster as competitive in an increasingly challenging Eastern Conference.
McCollum’s commitment
McCollum, who agreed to a $21 million extension before free agency opened, told HoopsHype he never considered testing the market. “It’s a great situation for both parties,” he said, praising president of basketball operations Onsi Saleh, head coach Quin Snyder and the ownership group. “There’s a lot to build on. I’m excited to be back in Atlanta.”
Watching Cleveland
Separately, the Cavaliers are reportedly eyeing forward Jonathan Kuminga and could explore a sign-and-trade with Atlanta. A short-term return to the Hawks for Kuminga has not been ruled out.
Source: HoopsRumors
