The Atlanta Hawks have locked up one in every of their 2026 draft picks, agreeing to a four-year, $9.3 million contract with middle Henri Veesaar. In keeping with NBA insider Michael Scotto, the deal contains the primary two seasons absolutely assured, whereas the ultimate two years are non-guaranteed.
Veesaar, the No. 52 total decide within the 2026 NBA Draft, was acquired by Atlanta by means of a draft-night commerce after initially being chosen by the Los Angeles Clippers with a decide obtained from the Cleveland Cavaliers. The signing offers the Hawks one other younger frontcourt possibility as they proceed reshaping their roster following a 46-36 season that ended with a first-round playoff loss to the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks.
The 7-foot Estonian arrives after a powerful senior marketing campaign at North Carolina. Veesaar averaged 17.0 factors, 8.7 rebounds and a pair of.1 assists in 31.4 minutes over 31 video games whereas taking pictures 60.8% from the sphere and an eye catching 42.6% from three-point vary on 94 makes an attempt. His mixture of inside effectivity and perimeter taking pictures helped elevate his draft inventory after transferring from Arizona.
Throughout 4 collegiate seasons cut up between Arizona and North Carolina, Veesaar appeared in 97 video games and posted profession averages of 9.7 factors, 5.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists whereas taking pictures 60.3% from the sphere and 38.3% from past the arc. His last two seasons showcased vital growth, as he averaged 9.4 factors and 5.0 rebounds for Arizona in 2024-25 earlier than making one other leap offensively at North Carolina.
Atlanta’s frontcourt already options beginning middle Onyeka Okongwu, who averaged 15.2 factors, 7.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.1 blocks throughout 74 video games final season whereas increasing his offensive recreation with a 37.6% mark from three. Veteran Jock Landale was recently re-signed to a one-year contract after averaging 9.1 factors and 4.1 rebounds in 23 appearances.
The Hawks even have younger huge males Asa Newell and Mouhamed Gueye on the roster, giving the group a number of developmental choices behind Okongwu.
The signing continues an aggressive offseason for Atlanta after the membership made a number of strikes geared toward strengthening its depth. The Hawks acquired Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, traded for guard Devin Carter, re-signed CJ McCollum and Landale, and fully guaranteed Buddy Hield’s contract whereas remaining lively in commerce discussions.
Atlanta additionally chosen guards Kingston Flemings with the eighth total decide and ahead Zuby Ejiofor at No. 23 within the first spherical of the draft, giving the franchise a mix of NBA-ready expertise and long-term upside.
