What happened: Center Jock Landale has agreed to a one-year, $14 million deal to return to the Atlanta Hawks, according to a person with knowledge of the agreement. The deal cannot be formally signed or announced before July 6. Atlanta cleared the financial room by declining its $24.3 million team option on Jonathan Kuminga, sending him into free agency.
Why it matters: Landale gives Atlanta proven frontcourt depth behind starting center Onyeka Okongwu after a season in which he averaged 9.1 points and 4.1 rebounds in 23 games. Retaining him stabilizes the rotation, though the move came at the cost of declining the pricier option on Kuminga. The decision reflects Atlanta's effort to balance its books while keeping a reliable veteran big man.
By the numbers: Landale, 30, averaged 9.1 points and 4.1 rebounds in 23 regular-season games with Atlanta but missed the playoff loss to the New York Knicks with a sprained right ankle. Across 68 games last season, he set career highs at 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds. Kuminga averaged 12.3 points in 16 games for the Hawks and 13.7 in the playoff series against the Knicks. Atlanta also added guard Devin Carter, who averaged 8.9 points in 38 games, from the Sacramento Kings.
What to watch: Watch for the official signing on or after July 6, and for how Atlanta fills the void left by letting Kuminga walk into free agency.