The Hawks chose their third year forward Asa Newellthe team announced in a press release.
Newell, the 23rd pick in last year’s draft, is making about $3.4 million this season. The deal is on top of his $3.56 million cap hit for 2027/28.
The 21-year-old played one year of basketball at the University of Georgia before being drafted in 2025. Newell didn’t play much as a rookie last season, averaging 5.2 points and 2.2 rebounds on .538/.387/.552 shooting in 44 NBA games (11.4 minutes per game).
Newell was more productive at the G League level with the College Park Skyhawks. In 15 games (32.5 mpg) with the Hawks affiliate in 2026/27, the 6’10” power forward averaged 22.2 ppg, 7.8 ppg, 2.1 ppg and 1.4 ppg on .567/.378/.692 shooting.
The Hawks fell to 3-4 entering Saturday and have lost four of their last five games after starting 2-0. Newell was a bright spot in the lopsided loss at New Orleans, recording a season-high 13 points and four rebounds in just under 19 minutes.
Newell was not part of the head coaching staff Quinn SnyderRotation at the start of the 2027/28 season, but the move was expected as his license for next season is relatively modest.
Monday is the deadline for NBA teams to realize their potential for third- and fourth-year rookies. We track all these decisions right here.
