Mouhamed Gueye is set to enter his fourth NBA season after the Atlanta Hawks acquired his draft rights in 2023. They traded the Boston Celtics a 2027 second-round pick to bring him to Atlanta. Over his first three campaigns, Gueye has proven himself as a great help-side shot blocker and versatile defender.
However, Gueye's final season on his four-year rookie contract is not guaranteed. Atlanta must make a critical decision about the 23-year-old's team option for the 2026-27 campaign, but the answer should be clear.
Hawks can keep Mouhamed Gueye on a great deal
Atlanta must accept or decline Gueye's $2.4 million team option for next season by June 29. This money becomes fully guaranteed on Jan. 10, 2027. When factoring in his role, production, age, and team-friendly deal, the Hawks should easily exercise the option this summer. Even if Gueye's role shrinks next season, reliable frontcourt depth at that price is difficult to find.
Gueye averaged 4.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks in 15.3 minutes per game last season. He played a career-high 77 contests, shooting 45.2% from the field and 30.8% from beyond the arc. While his perimeter shooting and offensive decision-making remain areas for improvement, Gueye put himself on the map as an athletic shot-blocker and taller wing defender last season.
Gueye specifically played excellent defense on Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero last campaign. He played a major role in Atlanta sweeping the season series, 4-0, against its division rival.
Asa Newell overtaking Gueye should not change the Hawks' decision
Head coach Quin Snyder put rookie Asa Newell and Gueye as the backup power forwards behind Jalen Johnson early last season. Ultimately, Gueye took over the job, as the Hawks sent Newell down to the College Park Skyhawks, where he flourished to end his rookie campaign. Newell's offensive ceiling is likely higher than Gueye's, but the rookie forward struggled defensively to start his career.
Newell displayed strong offensive instincts and processing skills in 2025-26. At 20 years old, the Hawks could lean more into the Georgia native's high offensive ceiling. However, Gueye would still give Atlanta important frontcourt depth should Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu, or Newell go down with an injury.
The injury bug hit the Hawks' frontcourt hard last season. When they have the opportunity to keep a proven, reliable defender on a great contract, the choice is clear.
Atlanta must accept Gueye's 2026-27 team option.
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