Hawks Prioritize Keeping Veteran Talent
As the 2025 NBA offseason nears, the Atlanta Hawks are intent on re-signing guard Caris LeVert and forward Larry Nance Jr., both unrestricted free agents, to maintain roster stability. Acquired through trades in 2024 and 2025, the duo provided critical depth despite a 37-win season and a Play-In Tournament loss. With Trae Young leading a young core alongside Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher, retaining these veterans is a priority for new coach Quin Snyder, especially as the team searches for a new president of basketball operations. This breakdown examines Atlanta’s plans, optimized for searches like “Hawks re-sign LeVert Nance 2025” and “Atlanta Hawks free agency.”
LeVert’s Value: A Dynamic Sixth Man
Caris LeVert, acquired from Cleveland in the 2025 De’Andre Hunter trade, proved his worth as a bench spark, averaging 14.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 26 games. His 58.2% true shooting percentage and career-low 5.7% turnover rate meshed well with Snyder’s fast-paced system, particularly in non-Young minutes. LeVert’s 6-foot-6 frame added defensive versatility, though his 34.8% 3-point shooting needs improvement. Atlanta sees him as a key piece, with a projected two-to-three-year deal at $12 million annually. LeVert’s desire to stay, citing the team’s culture, bolsters the Hawks’ case, but his No. 18 ranking on ESPN’s free agent list could attract rival offers, challenging Atlanta’s financial flexibility.
Nance Jr.’s Contribution: Versatility and Leadership
Larry Nance Jr., obtained in the 2024 Dejounte Murray trade, brought spacing and intangibles before a season-ending knee injury in February. In 24 games, he averaged 8.5 points and 4.3 rebounds, shooting 44.7% from three, complementing Jalen Johnson and Risacher. His leadership earned Atlanta’s Jason Collier Memorial Award, and at 32, Nance fits as a utility big behind Onyeka Okongwu. The Hawks aim to re-sign him at a reduced rate, but his injury history and interest from teams needing frontcourt depth could complicate talks. Nance’s role as a connector, not a primary center, aligns with Atlanta’s evolving roster.
Navigating Financial and Roster Constraints
With $35-40 million below the luxury tax, Atlanta can use the $14.1 million non-tax mid-level exception and four trade exceptions. However, re-signing LeVert, Nance, and potentially Clint Capela—who may seek a starting role elsewhere—stretches their budget, especially with plans to add a backup big like Steven Adams or a draft prospect like Khaman Maluach. The ongoing search for a front-office leader adds uncertainty, as owner Tony Ressler’s aversion to the luxury tax limits aggressive moves. Losing either player could force reliance on untested talents like Mo Gueye, risking depth in a competitive East.
Shaping the Hawks’ 2025-26 Outlook
Retaining LeVert and Nance would solidify Atlanta’s rotation, providing scoring and veteran presence to support Young and the young core. LeVert’s ability to create in non-Young minutes and Nance’s spacing could elevate the Hawks to a top-6 seed, as some analysts project. Failure to secure both, however, might hinder their playoff aspirations, especially if rival teams outbid them. As free agency and the 2025 NBA Draft approach, Atlanta’s success in balancing veteran retention with roster upgrades will define their path in the Eastern Conference.
