The Atlanta Hawks head into training camp with 16 players on their offseason roster, but NBA rules limit the regular-season roster to 15. The list includes returning pieces CJ McCollum, Jock Landale and Mouhamed Gueye, the newly drafted Kingston Flemings, Zuby Ejiofor and Henri Veesaar, as well as recent acquisitions Devin Carter and Aaron Wiggins.
Complicating the roster crunch is a $37.4 million salary commitment tied up in three players whose roles remain uncertain: veteran shooter Buddy Hield, three-year contract Corey Kispert, and second-round pick Zaccharie Rischer. All three occupy valuable cap space while the Hawks look to shape a more flexible lineup.
Buddy Hield’s contract was guaranteed for the upcoming season, a move that surprised many observers. The team could have saved roughly $6 million and opened a roster slot by leaving his deal unguaranteed, an option that now appears costly given the limited roster flexibility.
Corey Kispert still has three years left on his contract, and his minutes have diminished in recent weeks. While the Hawks have not indicated a clear path to move him, a trade, even for a modest draft asset, would free up cap space and align the roster with the team’s recent emphasis on speed and spacing.
Zaccharie Rischer, a second-round selection who has yet to appear in a regular-season game, occupies a non-guaranteed portion of the $37.4 million pool. His development timeline suggests the Hawks could consider a waiver or a two-way deal to retain his rights while creating room for a more immediate contributor.
Overall, the Hawks’ front office has demonstrated shrewd cap management over the past two offseasons, retaining core talent while adding depth without inflating the luxury tax. Resolving the Hield, Kispert and Rischer situations before the first practice will be crucial for shaping a roster capable of competing in a deep Eastern Conference.
