The Atlanta Hawks could've easily parted ways with CJ McCollum this summer, used the eighth-overall pick on a top guard, and prepared for a bit of a drop in the standings next year as they prioritized internal development.
While they still want their young core to grow at a rapid pace, they also want to maintain continuity and keep valuable veterans in the mix. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Atlanta is leaving no doubt in their mentality, re-signing McCollum to a one-year, $21 million contract.
He's not expected to be a long-term centerpiece, but he's at least back for next year, proving that the Hawks want to remain in the immediate postseason picture.
McCollum raises this young team's floor tremendously
A question of whether they can go all the way with McCollum in their starting lineup is one thing, but at the very least, they know he can be a valuable postseason performer and a perfect bridge guard as they fully step into this new era.
When McCollum came to Atlanta as part of the controversial Trae Young trade earlier this year, his future with the organization was uncertain. On the surface, it appeared likely that he was just included as salary filler, but pretty quickly, he began to showcase everything the Hawks have been searching for in a lead guard.
What he's able to do offensively will do wonders for the development of whoever Atlanta selects in the 2026 NBA Draft, assuming McCollum isn't here any longer than his new one-year deal.
Clutch shot-making and underrated playmaking are two of McCollum's biggest assets, and his veteran leadership was a major reason why they were able to see late-season success in his first campaign as a Hawk.
Letting him walk would not only give Atlanta a sour reputation as an organization worth committing to, but it would severely limit the potential of them making any sort of playoff run in the 2026-27 season.
The Hawks can now balance both competitiveness and internal growth
They're in a much better position than many realize. While McCollum, 34, was their best player in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, it doesn't take away from the fact that it was the first postseason experience for the bulk of the roster.
Of course, it wasn't going to be perfect, and it's exactly why it's great that they're experiencing such challenges in a key developmental period.
Having a proven veteran on the roster, for at least two seasons now, is an ideal situation for both parties.
Congrats, CJ!
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