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Atlanta Hawks: Lou Williams’ decision to return speaks volumes

By Joshua Buckhalter

Lou Williams #6 of the Atlanta Hawks calls a play against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals at State Farm Arena on June 29, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Lou Williams #6 of the Atlanta Hawks calls a play against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals at State Farm Arena on June 29, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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The Atlanta Hawks, intentionally or otherwise, are sending a message to the rest of the league: run it back. During a period of massive roster turnover, Travis Schlenk has moved on his own guys first and foremost. Trae Young signed a max extension worth up to $207 million.

His running mate, John Collins, got rewarded with a deal worth up to $125 million.

Now, in re-signing veteran guard Lou Williams (to the vet minimum no less), the Hawks will return every major contributor from last season’s playoff run.

The Atlanta Hawks retained Lou Williams despite serious interest from other contenders

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Solomon Hill returns too, providing a valuable utility player off the bench. But Williams jumping in for another go-round says plenty about the culture that has been built by Schlenk over the last four seasons.

Williams’ free agency was an interesting one. Initially, it was reported that he would be seeking a multi-year deal that would pay him decently.

Neither of those terms necessarily fit the Hawks so it seemed a foregone conclusion that Williams would move on.

That thought gained momentum once word got out that teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers were kicking the tires.

Williams averaged 10 points in 24 regular-season games with the Hawks but saw his offensive production dip to 7.7 points per game in the playoffs.

That had many questioning his value, especially at the earlier reported price tag.

But Williams’ stats belied his steadiness filling in for an injured Trae Young, going off for 21 points and eight assists in his first playoff start.

In addition to him playing more of a traditional point guard, Williams provides much deeper benefit to the Hawks. Trae Young’s father has said Williams is the best vet his son has ever played with. Don’t think that didn’t play a part in the Hawks interest.

Williams choosing the Hawks, however, was not as easy to see as a scenario.

Not when a return to the West Coast or the defending champs — whose offer was said to be two years for $8 million — was on the table. And those weren’t the only team interested either. Reports had the Celtics, Pacers, and Warriors among the teams checking.

And Williams himself was said to have an interest in joining the Heat.

Instead, the Hawks get their sage back, adding to an improved bench that includes trade acquisition Delon Wright, free agent Gorgui Dieng, and rookie Jaylen Johnson (and perhaps Sharife Cooper).

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The Hawks are both talented at the top and extremely deep, a rarity in the NBA. Williams returning just solidified that fact.