On paper, the Atlanta Hawks have an overabundance of rostered players. There's currently 17 guys on the main roster, and after their most recent signing, all three two-way slots are taken, as well.
None of that's even considering Jonathan Kuminga, who remains unsigned in unrestricted free agency, but could very well return to Atlanta on a cheap short-term deal if nothing pans out.
After making an unexpected move for Oklahoma City's Lu Dort, the Hawks signed Jalen Wilson - the University of Kansas product who most recently spent time with the Brooklyn Nets - to a two-way contract, seemingly finalizing that group for the 2026-27 season.
If history is any indicator, though, there's a good chance they could make a drastic change before the year gets started.
Teams usually wait until the final buzzer to determine their two-ways
The current group - headlined by the recently-acquired Jalen Wilson - also includes RayJ Dennis and Keshon Gilbert, both of whom signed their deals last season.
Multi-year two-way contracts are fascinating. Not only are they pretty uncommon, but even when they're inked, they don't always finish out the deal. It's more of an insurance policy for organizations when the signee shows real glimpses of potential in whatever limited action they receive.
There's a very realistic pathway to letting go of both guys they brought in last season, paving the way for some deserving newcomers. There's no shortage of those waiting for an opportunity with the Hawks, either.
That's the most thrilling part of summer league, honestly.
People usually know what they're getting out of the top draftees, and most second-year players, but the real competition comes between those fighting for their NBA lives. Uncertainty can bring out the best in players, often resulting in a better product.
Many Hawks had standout performances this summer, giving real promise to their two-way candidacy.
Kobe Johnson, among others, deserve a deeper look after their summer
With Johnson, even if they had no idea he was the brother of their franchise player, the Hawks would be silly not to at least consider making room for him on a two-way deal.
As soon as they elected to rest several of their key starters - Kingston Flemings, Asa Newell and Zuby Ejiofor - Johnson showed that the team's mentality, and especially his, wasn't going to change.
A 30-point night from the second-year summer standout led Atlanta to another dominant victory.
It would make sense to bring him on. Two-way contracts exist for a reason, and the Hawks shouldn't shy away from giving the spots to three new players, as experimentation is a logical path to take.
Add us as a preferred source on Google