The Financial Picture for 2027
The Atlanta Hawks are looking far ahead at a summer where they could become a major player in the free-agent market. By the 2027-2028 season, the team will have nine guaranteed contracts totaling $121,871,676, according to reports. This figure includes Jalen Johnson at $30,000,000 and Dyson Daniels at $25,000,000. Onyeka Okongwu brings $16,880,000, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker adds $15,161,800. The list also features Corey Kispert at $13,025,000, Aaron Wiggins at $8,168,226, and Kingston Flemings at $7,716,120. Zuby Ejiofor and Henri Veesaar round out the roster with $3,626,160 and $2,294,370 respectively. These numbers show the team has a clear path to a massive payroll reset.
According to reports, while many squads will find it hard to spend heavily, Atlanta may possess substantial cap room to work with next offseason. Should any major player choose to enter free agency, this potential flexibility could make the franchise a premier destination. The math is simple: if the team moves a few salaries, they can offer a full mid-level exception or even more. That kind of money changes the entire landscape of the league for that summer.
The Kispert and Hield Dilemma
Getting to that space might require some tough moves right now. Sports Illustrated reports that although the Hawks might attempt to trade Kispert to generate additional space, such a move could prove challenging. Yahoo Sports adds that the team might be stuck with Kispert unless they attach draft capital to him. Atlanta will be resistant to attaching draft capital to Kispert, which makes a trade harder to pull off. Because Kispert carries over $27 million in guaranteed money across two remaining years on his contract, he represents a difficult asset to trade.
Buddy Hield presents a different scenario. Per reports, if Atlanta neither trades Buddy Hield during the season nor waives him, the team remains liable for $3 million. Hield is overpaid this season at $9.6 million, but his contract is basically an expiring contract, according to reports. Most of next year’s salary for Hield is non-guaranteed, which gives the front office some leverage. The team has to decide if keeping him helps the current season or hurts the future plan.
Draft Picks and Future Assets
The Hawks do not just have money; they also have picks to use. Yahoo Sports states that the Hawks are obligated to send their pick from the 2027 draft to the Spurs. Moving forward, the Hawks have their full allotment of draft selections, which adds to their appeal for stars. According to reports, while the roster contains several large contracts, Kispert is the only one considered “bad” on the Hawks’ current squad. This clean slate makes the team attractive for players who want to win without being buried under dead money.
Some names to watch include Nikola Jokic, though the context remains incomplete in current reports. Devin Carter is due slightly more than $5 million for this season and holds a team option valued at $7.Yahoo Sports notes that the $4 million figure for next season requires a decision by the end of October. Devin Carter’s contract makes him moveable, giving Atlanta another tool to clear space. The combination of draft capital and potential cash makes this a fascinating time to be a Hawks fan. The front office must navigate these tricky deals to unlock the 2027 summer.
