The Atlanta Hawks have waived guard Devin Carter as they work to finalize their regular season roster. This decision comes as the team trims its list of guaranteed contracts down to the required 15 players, plus three two-way spots. Carter, acquired just this offseason, was part of a deal that also brought a 2033 second-round pick to Atlanta. The Hawks will absorb his $5.2 million salary for the 2026-27 season if he goes unclaimed on waivers.
This roster move occurs as the Hawks look to regroup following a tough stretch to close their previous campaign.
The primary reason appears to be roster logistics and asset management. Atlanta entered the day with 16 players on guaranteed contracts, one over the NBA limit for the standard roster. Acquiring Carter and a future draft pick was clearly a move focused on the long-term asset. The 2033 second-round selection holds more value for the franchise's future planning than Carter's immediate fit on the squad list.
Carter, a lottery selection just two offseasons ago, never suited up for the Hawks in a regular season game. His $5.2 million salary for the upcoming season becomes a financial obligation for Atlanta unless another team claims him off waivers. This kind of transaction is common in the NBA as teams balance present needs with future flexibility.
Waiving Carter signals a continued focus on reshaping the team's composition and financial books. General Manager Landry Fields is actively managing the roster to create the best possible group around the team's core players. Eating a salary to secure a future draft pick is a strategic gamble, betting that the pick's value will outweigh the current financial cost.
This move follows a challenging end to the Hawks' season. Managing the roster now is key to improving those outcomes next season.
The immediate next step is official league clearance on the waiver for Devin Carter. The Hawks' front office will then have its 15-man roster set, allowing head coach Quin Snyder and his staff to finalize rotations and strategies for training camp. Attention will shift to integrating new players and building chemistry ahead of the new season.
With Carter's departure, minutes in the backcourt will be available for other guards to seize. The coaching staff will be looking for improved perimeter defense and consistent three-point shooting from the guard rotation. How the team performs in the early part of the schedule will be telling. Fans can follow the upcoming challenges on our schedule list.
The financial flexibility gained, or cost incurred, from this move will also play into future decisions. The Hawks' performance, particularly after losing their last three games of the previous season, creates urgency. Every roster spot is valuable, and the team is betting that its current group, without Carter, gives them a better chance to compete. The focus now is entirely on preparation for the opening tip-off of the 2026-27 NBA season.
