Soaring Down South
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8 Worst free agent signings in Atlanta Hawks history

By Tyler Watts

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 01: Joe Johnson #2 of the Atlanta Hawks against the Boston Celtics at Philips Arena on April 1, 2011 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)
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 01: Joe Johnson #2 of the Atlanta Hawks against the Boston Celtics at Philips Arena on April 1, 2011 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 just overhauled their front office, and it is too early to tell how this group will be viewed. Historically, the Hawks have a strong leadership group that does not make massive mistakes in free agency. Atlanta has mostly spent wisely and used the draft and trades to acquire talent.

The Hawks have not won a championship since 1958, and they made the conference finals just twice since 1962. Atlanta has a building block in Trae Young, but can they craft a title contender around the two-time All-Star? If not, is it time to move on and rebuild? Atlanta is a team to watch because they feel a bit desperate to start making moves.

No franchise has a perfect track record in free agency. The Hawks have made mistakes and got caught chasing big fish, so here is a look at their eight worst signing in franchise history.

8 Worst free agent signings in Atlanta Hawks history: 8. Rajon Rondo

Rondo was fresh off helping the Lakers win the championship inside the bubble in 2020 when the Hawks signed him to a two-year deal worth $15 million to backup Trae Young. The veteran point guard shot 40.0 percent from 3-point range during the playoffs and was a key contributor to LA’s title run. The Hawks were hoping his veteran presence and steady production would help them get back to the playoffs after three straight years in the lottery.

Rondo played just 27 games and averaged a career-low 14.9 minutes per game in Atlanta before being traded to the Clippers at the deadline. The veteran point guard dealt with injuries, and he arguably had the worst stretch of his career playing for the Hawks.

Rondo helped the Clippers reach the conference finals in 2021 before they fell to the Phoenix Suns. He was traded to Memphis in the offseason where he was waived by the Grizzlies.

The Atlanta Hawks were hoping for more from Rajon Rondo, but they did reach the conference finals in 2021, and Lou Williams, who was traded for Rondo, played a key role off the bench in their run.