The Atlanta Hawks are focused on finalizing their front office structure, which could have a sizable bearing on the direction they take with their roster. In past years, that may have meant deciding whether to remain committed to Trae Young. This summer, they’ve been suggested as a possible landing spot for Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant. Less grand conceptions are focused on the 2025 NBA Draft and who they can add to their core.
However, the Hawks also have free agency to look forward to. Though they aren’t expected to go after Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, who could serenade fans with a swan song next season, there are several free agents who could fortify their roster. At least one of them is their own, which is why the Hawks are prioritizing re-signing him.
Hawks Should Pass On ‘Priority’ Free Agent Caris LeVert
“When the Hawks look to improve their roster this offseason, they have a couple of priorities to address. One of those is the re-signing of veteran guard Caris LeVert,” reports Lauren Williams of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Caris LeVert (along with fellow veteran Georges Niang) was traded to Atlanta in February in exchange for De’Andre Hunter, who was sent to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Prior to the deal, LeVert was shooting a career-high 40.5 percent from 3 in 2024-25, all while consistently making a two-way impact. Following the move, LeVert’s 3-point percentage fell to .338 —which is near his career 3-point percentage (.345)—but averaging 14.9 points per game.
Numbers aside, he’s capable of being an on-ball creator and off-ball outlet at 6-foot-6. Defensively, he’s agile enough to make plays on the perimeter and sturdy enough to wall off would-be post scorers. All in all, he has undeniable talent and ultimately value.
With that being said, the Hawks desire to re-sign LeVert is sensible. However, classifying him as a priority signing might not be.
For starters, LeVert is relatively unpredictable, both in terms of his efficiency and aggressiveness. Furthermore, at the start of next season, the Ohioan will be 31 years old. Theoretically and anecdotally, his steady decline is nearing the horizon.
If Atlanta was truly in a position to believe they’ll make a deep run in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, the conversation about bringing LeVert back would have a different hue. Yet, they’ve missed the playoffs in back to back years. Yes, they’re closer to contention than collapse but they’ve still got a long way to go.
Besides, it’s not as if the Hawks have no way of replacing LeVert.
How To Replace Caris LeVert
Ahead of free agency, the Hawks will have two first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. They’re rumored to have their eyes on Michigan State guard Jase Richardson, an effective scorer, with the 13th overall pick. Colorado State wing Nique Clifford and Duke/Washington State wing Cedric Coward, versatile prospects with scoring upside, may still be on the board when they’re back on the clock with the 22nd pick.
In free agency, they could consider signing Bruce Brown, Bol Bol, Talen Horton-Tucker, Keion Brooks Jr. or Dalano Banton.
Brown is arguably the closest to LeVert in terms of overall impact. Bol is a gifted forward whose maturity is his biggest obstacle. Horton-Tucker is a deceptively skilled and positionless player. Brooks wrapped his rookie season up with multiple head-turning performances. Banton’s a multi-faceted perimeter piece who has opened up his game in recent years.
Last but not least, there’s the trade market. With that in mind, the Hawks should explore sign-and-trade options involving LeVert. The goal would be to acquire a younger and likely less seasoned scorer. One example is Houston Rockets wing Cam Whitmore, who is currently on the trading block.
Its worth noting that all of these aforementioned players would likely be considerably cheaper to sign, re-sign or extend than LeVert.
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