Even though we are less than ten days away from the 2025 NBA Draft and only two weeks away from the start of free agency, what the Atlanta Hawks will do is anyone's guess. With the new lead decision maker, Onsi Saleh, and a completely revamped front office in charge, which direction the Hawks will go this summer is unclear. The only thing that is clear is the desperate need for this franchise to pick a direction and commit to it.
Regardless of whether they are going to be buyers or sellers this offseason, the Hawks will need competent veterans and locker room leaders on the roster. Larry Nance Jr., who played that role for the team last season, is hitting free agency, and the latest reporting suggests that the Hawks would like to retain him in that role.
Hawks Reportedly Want to Keep Larry Nance Jr.
HoopsHype's Michael Scotto revealed the latest intel he has ahead of free agency. He confirmed earlier reporting that the Hawks have interest in re-signing Caris LeVert, and added that they will also prioritize bringing back Nance.
Even though Scotto added that Nance should draw some interest in the market from teams looking for frontcourt help, it's hard to imagine any team desperately beating out Atlanta's offer if the Hawks gave him a multi-year deal. Nance was a solid two-way big last season, but he only played in 24 games. He is coming off a knee injury that kept him out in the final stretch of the season, a concerning issue for a player who has consistently been missing games throughout his career.
With the expected departure of Clint Capela in free agency, the Hawks will need to rely on Nance more. Guaranteed playing time and a large role, combined with a multi-year, guaranteed deal, should be enough to keep the 32-year-old in Atlanta.
Regardless of Nance's decision, however, Atlanta should probably add a younger big man in the rotation, perhaps through the draft, as insurance for the injury-prone Nance.