ATLANTA — The Hawks are optimistic about retaining veteran guard CJ McCollum when free agency opens this summer, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line and Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Scotto reports that league projections place a potential new deal for the 34-year-old around $20 million annually.
Even if McCollum re-signs, Atlanta is searching for an additional downhill ball-handler to pair with forward Jalen Johnson, Fischer writes. The club is also exploring ways to bolster its frontcourt beyond current starting center Onyeka Okongwu.
Draft priorities at No. 8
Rival front-office executives expect the Hawks to address one of those roster needs with the eighth overall pick in next week’s draft, sources told both Fischer and Scotto. With AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson widely projected as the top four selections, at least one guard from the group of Mikel Brown, Darius Acuff, Keaton Wagler and Kingston Flemings is expected to be available at No. 8. Michigan center Aday Mara is also under consideration.
Representatives for Brown, Wagler and Flemings view Atlanta at No. 8 as their players’ draft floor, Fischer reports. Acuff’s camp believes his floor is Milwaukee at No. 10, despite rumblings that Sacramento is eyeing him at No. 7.
Free-agent and trade notes
• Center Jock Landale is drawing league-wide interest after a strong 2025-26 campaign, Scotto writes. Atlanta hopes to keep the unrestricted free agent but holds only Non-Bird rights, limiting its ability to give Landale a significant raise above the veteran minimum without using another exception.
• Before deciding on forward Jonathan Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option, the Hawks have gauged his trade value, per HoopsHype. Nevertheless, a return — either on that option year or a new contract — remains a “real possibility.”
• Holding a second first-round pick at No. 23, Atlanta has explored packages to move up from that slot, league sources tell Scotto.
• Although the Hawks were recently linked to Lakers guard Austin Reaves, Scotto reports that the franchise is not viewed as a likely destination for the unrestricted free agent.
Risacher reflects on sophomore season
Forward Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, told beIN Sports he was “pretty frustrated” by a reduced role in his second NBA season. The 21-year-old said the reasons for his drop in minutes “were not as clear as I would have liked,” but added he stayed mentally prepared and believes he “belongs on an NBA court.”
Source: HoopsRumors
