4 Hawks who definitely won't be back, 4 who shouldn't return next season
By Tyler Watts
Won’t be back: Bruno Fernando
Fernando is in his second stint with the Hawks. They acquired him in a 2019 draft night trade, and the 6’9 big man spent his first two seasons in Atlanta before being traded to the Celtics in 2021. He returned at the 2023 trade deadline in a deal with the Rockets.
Fernando has a fully non-guaranteed $2.7 million contract for next season. The Hawks have until June 29 to decide his fate. It is more than the minimum, and the Hawks may be wise to let the 25-year-old hit the open market.
Fernando is coming off the best season of his NBA career. He was not part of the rotation to begin the year, but injuries opened room down the stretch. Over the final 32 games, he averaged 7.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 18.7 minutes per game. It led to him setting new single-season career highs in points, minutes, rebounds, and steals per game.
Fernando brings energy but does not space the floor or protect the rim. His limited offensive game can hurt his team, and he finished with a negative value over replacement player (VORP) this season. Bruno Fernando is fine as a third center, but the Hawks do not want him getting significant minutes. They are better off moving on and finding someone with a higher upside.