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Former NBA Lottery Pick Agrees to a Deal With the Hawks on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 10:33 PM ET

At the start of NBA free agency, the Atlanta Hawks got busy. Earlier on Monday, the Hawks agreed to a deal to land Nickeil Alexander-Walker to a four-year, $62 million contract. He had an amazing 2024-25 season with the Minnesota Timberwolves as a 3-and-D player next to All-Star guard Anthony Edwards.

The Hawks are building a team with a mix of young and veteran stars for a playoff return. Over the past two years, Atlanta has missed the postseason and have collected capable young talent through the draft and trades.

After pursuing Alexander-Walker, the Hawks made a deal with another veteran player.

Shams Charania of ESPN reported that the Hawks agreed to a one-year, $11 million deal to land Luke Kennard. Last season, he suited up for 65 games for the Memphis Grizzlies, averaging 8.9 points on 43.3% shooting from downtown. Kennard has been one of the best shooters in the NBA for quite some time.

Hawks star Trae Young reportedly reached out to the former No. 12 pick of the 2017 draft and Alexander-Walker to join him in Atlanta.

"Hawks star Trae Young reached out to Kennard and Nickeil Alexander-Walker this evening to help recruit them to the franchise, sources said. Two big wing gets for the Hawks," Charania reported.

Hawks star Trae Young reached out to Kennard and Nickeil Alexander-Walker this evening to help recruit them to the franchise, sources said. Two big wing gets for the Hawks. https://t.co/uZw0IXQeG0
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025

The addition of Kennard gives the Hawks another floor spacer and a threat from long range. The former Duke guard has shot 43.8% from deep in his career. The Hawks were the 18th-best team in the league last season, so they weren't a bad three-ball shooting squad. The group shot 35.8% of their 3-pointers, and having another outside shooter will significantly improve their performance next season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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