Hawks Dealt Bad News on $32 Million Guard on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dibyendu Mondal | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 9:00 AM ET

The Atlanta Hawks agreed on a deal with Grizzlies shooting guard Luke Kennard on a one-year, $11 million deal. They negotiated the new deal with CAA's Aaron Mintz and Dave Spahn.

And in doing so, they lost free agent $32 million shooting guard Caris LeVert to the Detroit Pistons. He has agreed to a two‑year, $29 million deal with the team, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

The agreement was negotiated by Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports alongside the Pistons, ensuring added depth in Detroit’s backcourt and the welcome return of a Michigan alumnus.

LeVert, 30, split last season between Cleveland and Atlanta, posting averages of 12.1 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game.

Known for his ability to operate both as a secondary playmaker and scorer off the wing, LeVert shot a career-average 34.5% from behind the arc.

His ability to attack the basket and facilitate makes him a valuable option in multiple lineups, as detailed by DraftKings Network. For the Hawks, the departure leaves question marks around who will absorb those minutes.

Free agent guard Caris LeVert has agreed to a two-year, $29 million deal with the Detroit Pistons, sources tell ESPN. Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports and the Pistons negotiated terms of a deal that brings backcourt depth and a Michigan return. pic.twitter.com/C7KY8Arnra
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025

Last year, LeVert provided reliable scoring and backcourt stability. With Malik Beasley already off the table due to an ongoing federal investigation, this exit tightens the squeeze on Atlanta’s wing depth and forces them to recalibrate their offseason strategy.

Moving forward, the Hawks must look to fill that gap. LeVert’s move signals a win for the Pistons, who land a player with proven scoring and ball-handling chops.

And not just him, they also lost center Clint Capela to the Houston Rockets.

"Clint Capela is going to return to Houston by why of sign-and-trade, sources say." Jake Fischer wrote on Monday.

"The Rockets are sending a 2031 second-round pick swap plus cash to the Hawks, in exchange for helping facilitate the veteran center’s second stop in Houston."

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

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