Onyeka Okongwu Extension Decision Could Shape Hawks' Future

The Atlanta Hawks began training camp yesterday, and the young team will look to build on last season's success. Forward Onyeka Okongwu is eligible for a contract extension on Oct. 1.

On Oct. 1, Okongwu will be eligible for a contract extension of up to three years and $76.6 million total. Whether he signs that contract could change the direction of the Atlanta Hawks.

Hawks writer Brad Rowland reported the news of Okongwu's possible extension and that he has until Oct. 19 to accept the deal. On the other hand, guard/forward Luguentz Dort is "extension-eligible" all season, per Rowland.

Atlanta expressed interest in a possible sign-and-trade for Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren, according to ESPN's Marc J. Spears. While nothing has materialized around a sign-and-trade, this could impact the outcome of Okongwu signing the extension.

However, one issue that could impact the trade is the asking price for Duren. Atlanta currently has one player under contract who makes $30 million yearly. Forward Jalen Johnson is the highest-paid player on the roster.

Although the Hawks have $60 million in expiring contracts, paying a player $200 million could impact the franchise's financial flexibility. Duren's asking price is steep for a team that made it to the first round of the postseason and was the only team to defeat the New York Knicks twice.

Okongwu could decide to play through the final two years of his contract, which could lead to a conundrum. Last season, he averaged 15.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while shooting a career-high 37.6 percent from 3-point range.

In addition to the USC product's stat line last season, he was drafted No. 6 overall in the 2020 draft and has improved each season. He has only missed eight games over the last two seasons.

On the flip side, Duren finished last season averaging 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 65 percent from the field. He is 22 years old and three years younger than Okongwu, but his lack of perimeter shooting and limited attempts would hurt Atlanta's floor spacing.

Duren would provide the Hawks with a young center to build around, but the cost would impact everything the franchise is trying to accomplish. General manager Onsi Saleh, along with the front office, wants to build through the draft, develop talent, and remain under the salary cap.

However, if the team were to acquire the Pistons center, it would lose trade assets, depth, and potential trade capital, and it would have to match what he wants.