DeMar DeRozan, Bradley Beal, and Russell Westbrook remain on the market. Each is a minimum-deal option for an over-the-cap Hawks roster.
The Atlanta Hawks have largely completed their offseason roster moves, but free agency remains an avenue for adding depth ahead of training camp.
While many of the top available players have already found new teams, several experienced free agents remain on the market.
Atlanta's front office has been active in the draft, trade market, and free agency. The franchise acquired guards Devin Carter and Aaron Wiggins at low rates. Shortly after, the organization drafted rookie guard Kingston Flemings and center Zuby Ejiofor.
Both Flemings and Ejiofor, as well as Henri Veesaar, signed their rookie deals. On July 19, the Hawks acquired guard/forward Luguentz Dort and guard Ryan Nembhard in a three-team trade that sent Zaccharie Risacher to the Dallas Mavericks.
Atlanta is operating over the salary cap after CJ McCollum agreed to a one-year, $21 million extension in June. The Hawks have roughly $194.8 million in salary commitments and 17 players under contract, two more than the 15-man regular-season limit.
Here are three free-agent targets they could consider on minimum deals that could help their short- and long-term success.
Russell Westbrook
Guard Russell Westbrook may not be an option on the Hawks' radar, but he could provide the team with guard depth, veteran experience, and leadership. Atlanta has a young roster, and this will be their first full season without Trae Young, who was traded to the Washington Wizards in January.
Westbrook adds another guard to the lineup that could use more depth in case the injury bug returns, like last season. Young missed games with a sprained MCL before the trade, which affected the rotation. An 82-game season is long, and McCollum, who is under contract for one more year, could be the projected starting guard with Flemings coming off the bench.
Atlanta could keep Carter, but adding Westbrook provides the team with another guard who could allow McCollum to play off the ball, and he could mentor Flemings, who is still adjusting to the pace of the league.
Despite not winning a championship, Westbrook has played in the Finals and reached the Western Conference finals. He will be able to help this team develop a winning culture and mindset.
The former Kings guard had a productive 2025-26 season despite the team's overall lack of success. He averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game in 64 appearances.
Signing the UCLA product would not cost the Hawks much financially, and he could have a long-term impact on the current roster.
Bradley Beal
Guard Bradley Beal is the second option Atlanta should consider signing because of his ability to create offense, score in isolation, and space the floor. Although he played six games last season due to injury, there's still potential.
Beal was limited to six games last season after fracturing his left hip, and the Clippers announced on Nov. 12 that he would undergo season-ending surgery. He declined a $5.62 million player option in June and is now a free agent who can add to a team with playoff or championship aspirations.
The former Los Angeles Clipper can help Atlanta in isolation situations, and he can space the floor. He is a bigger guard who can get his shot off in close game situations. Right now, the Hawks' best isolation scorer is McCollum.
Beal finished the 2024-25 season with the Phoenix Suns averaging 17 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 38.6% from three and 49.7% from the field. He is an efficient scorer who would provide the Hawks with consistency in late-game situations or when the team gets off to a slow start.
The 33-year-old guard is a veteran who can help shooting guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dort, and Carter develop on the offensive end. Like Westbrook, Beal has made money over the years, and this could be a small contract that gives him another opportunity to reshape his career while helping the Hawks improve in the present and future.
DeMar DeRozan
Guard DeMar DeRozan is the final player the Hawks should consider signing in free agency because of his ability to create his own offense, knock down late-game shots, and add depth to the rotation.
Former Hawks guard and now podcaster Jeff Teague spoke on the franchise's free agency. He mentioned that the team needs to add DeRozan, who could take the veteran minimum.
The NBA is a league where players have to be able to shoot from three-point range, and that could be an argument as to why the team shouldn't sign DeRozan. However, Atlanta's current roster is filled with three-point shooters, except for Dyson Daniels, who is the worst shooter on the roster.
Last season, Daniels shot 18.8% from deep compared to DeRozan's 32%. If the former Sacramento Kings guard comes off the bench, he would be able to navigate the second unit without bringing down their three-point ability.
Not to mention, if the team only features two low-volume three-point shooters, the other four players on the court will still keep the defense honest.
During the first-round series in the playoffs, the team depended on McCollum's late-game heroics. Having DeRozan will provide another late-game scorer who can drive to the rim or kick it out for an open three-point shooter.
The Compton native isn't afraid of the big moment, and he can make others around him better. The Hawks could sign a top-tier isolation scorer who can help push the younger players around him.
