What happened: Atlanta faces a roster decision on guard Buddy Hield tied to a looming contract deadline. Hield's salary protection jumps from $3 million to $9.7 million if he is not waived on or before June 25. The team has until that date to act before the larger guarantee takes hold.

Why it matters: The roughly $6.7 million swing is a meaningful cap and luxury-tax consideration as Atlanta shapes its books heading into the 2026-27 season. Keeping Hield past the deadline commits real money to his salary, while a move before June 25 preserves flexibility. How the Hawks treat this guarantee signals their offseason payroll priorities.

What to watch: Watch whether Atlanta waives Hield by the June 25 deadline or carries the full $9.7 million guarantee into the new league year.