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Hawks’ latest move leaves door open for return of veteran fan favorite

Dominick Barlow's departure from Atlanta could be a domino for the return of a beloved Hawk.
ByBen Grunert|
Jan 20, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder reacts during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Jan 20, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder reacts during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Hawks made a somewhat surprising decision when they declined Dominick Barlow’s team option and released him into unrestricted free agency. With Barlow out of the picture, Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh could look to bring a familiar face back to Atlanta.

Larry Nance Jr. is the perfect candidate to re-sign with Atlanta. The Hawks could use one more player to fill out their frontcourt depth, and a Nance reunion does just that. The 32-year-old big man shot 44.7% from three last season, averaging 8.5 points and 1.4 made 3-pointers in less than 20 minutes per game.

Nance built excellent chemistry with his teammates as a first-year Hawk, even providing fans with some hilarious moments at practices and post-game interviews. After coming over from New Orleans with Dyson Daniels in last summer’s Dejounte Murray trade, Nance put his friendship with The Great Barrier Thief on full display throughout the season.

Along with developing into a fan favorite, Nance made a solid impact with his on-court production when healthy. A fractured right hand and a right knee injury limited him to just 24 games last season, but the 10-year veteran is still expected to receive interest from various teams when free agency opens up.

HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto recently reported on Nance’s offseason outlook, crediting his leadership as a valuable asset for the Hawks and any team that pursues him.

“While limited to 24 games this season, Nance Jr. was effective, averaging 8.5 points on 51.6 percent from the field and 44.7 percent on 3.2 attempts beyond the arc in 19.3 minutes,” Scotto wrote. “His locker room presence was also valued for a young Hawks team on the rise. With that said, Nance Jr. is expected to draw interest in the free agency market from teams looking for frontcourt help.”

Hawks have ample room to re-sign Larry Nance Jr. but it may not happen

Barlow’s departure has left Atlanta with five open roster spots (and three two-way spots). Given the Hawks’ financial flexibility, the team could pay Nance a contract similar to the two-year, $21.6 million deal he came to Atlanta with. However, it would be far more ideal for the Hawks if Nance took a pay cut to make room for other free agents to sign with the team.

Exciting times are undoubtedly ahead for Atlanta. While Nance could come along for the ride, this summer could present him with his last chance at a contract better than the veteran minimum. After all, Nance turns 33 next season.

If the Hawks don’t offer him the type of money other teams do, fans should prepare themselves for Nance to leave. Whether he can bring Nance back or not, Saleh has already earned his stripes as the Hawks’ new general manager by trading for Kristaps Porzingis and stealing a potential 2026 lottery pick from the New Orleans Pelicans.

Saleh’s draft-night wizardry and overall aggression this offseason have firmly set the tone for what could be a game-changing summer in Atlanta. Nance or no Nance, the Hawks should feel confident in ending their two-year playoff drought.

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