Hawks bringing back stud reserve on $14 million contract

After reaching the playoffs for the first time since the 2022-23 season, the Atlanta Hawks are primed to add more talent to the roster once the free agency window opens on Tuesday at 6 p.m. EST. However, hours before free agency begins, the front office decided to bring back one of the key rotational players on the roster.

Reports indicate that Jock Landale is signing a one-year, $14 million contract with the Hawks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The 30-year-old center will have a chance to continue his success in Atlanta for at least one more year.

“Free agent center Jock Landale intends to sign a one-year, $14 million deal to return to the Atlanta Hawks, sources tell ESPN,” reported Charania. “Landale had a strong finish after being traded to the Hawks, averaging 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds last season, and his agents Sammy Wloszczowski and Mike Lelchitski of SIG Sports finalized the deal Tuesday.”

Landale was a trade acquisition before the deadline last season. While he only played 23 games with the Hawks, the five-year veteran proved to be a reliable asset off the bench. On top of his 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per game last season, Landale recorded a 51.5% field goal percentage while hitting 38.3% of his three-point attempts.

The center position in Atlanta is set. Landale will back up Onyeka Okongwu once again. This is one of the club’s notable decisions, following the Hawks’ trade for point guard Devin Carter from the Sacramento Kings to improve the depth of the backcourt. The front office is seemingly focused on building the deepest roster possible for next season.