September 12, 2026 • 6:02 AM EDT
Updated 8 hours ago
The Atlanta Hawks are in roster overhaul mode, and one of the more surprising moves has just landed. Atlanta will waive Devin Carter, a former lottery pick the team acquired only this offseason. That’s according to league sources cited by Jake Fischer of Yahoo and the Stein Line blog. It’s a clear sign that the Hawks are prioritising cap space and longer-term options over developing the young guard they recently brought in.
Carter, drafted only two years ago, arrived in Atlanta alongside a 2033 second-round pick. That trade raised some eyebrows at the time, and now the Hawks seem to have made their motivation obvious—they wanted the future asset, not necessarily Carter himself. Atlanta had 16 guaranteed contracts on their books and needed to trim to 15, plus their two-way players. Carter was the odd man out.
For bettors, this move says a few things. The Hawks aren’t just clearing room for bodies—they’re creating flexibility to either make a run at a veteran, take another swing at the trade deadline, or manage their young core’s contracts. Carter’s salary for 2026-27, around $5.2 million, will remain dead money unless he’s claimed off waivers, but the Hawks clearly see that as a price worth paying to get their roster aligned with their strategy.
According to Yahoo Sports, the Hawks are shaping up their squad with an eye firmly on the future, willing to move on just months after Carter’s arrival. For Carter, it’s an unexpected turn, considering his recent lottery pedigree, but he’ll hit the waiver wire and almost certainly draw interest from teams seeking guard depth or upside.
Why the Hawks made this move
The decision isn’t about Carter’s abilities—he’s still young and athletic with recent lottery status. It’s about Atlanta’s bigger picture. They’re pinning their hopes on future picks, roster spots for key rotation players, and the salary structure that’ll let them stay competitive without clogging their cap sheet.
- Atlanta had 16 guaranteed contracts and needed to reduce the roster
- Carter only arrived this offseason, bundled with a future second-round pick
- Waiving Carter frees a spot and provides more flexibility going forward
- The Hawks will eat Carter’s 2026-27 salary if unclaimed by another team
- This move signals intent to focus on assets and adaptability, not just names
Impact for bettors and the Eastern Conference
If you’re looking ahead, don’t expect Carter’s departure to shift the Hawks’ win total or conference odds overnight. But it does hint at a front office with a cold, process-driven approach on who stays, who goes, and why. That’s worth remembering as trade season heats up and you’re eyeing Atlanta futures.
Key takeaways
- Devin Carter, a recent lottery pick, will be waived by the Hawks
- This move was not about Carter’s play but roster and asset management
- Atlanta’s focus is on future flexibility over short-term development projects
- Carter’s $5.2 million salary counts regardless unless he’s claimed off waivers
- The Hawks’ front office is betting on future picks and options over keeping recent acquisitions
- Bettors should monitor Atlanta’s intentions and moves heading into the next phase of the season
- The approach suggests more moves could be coming from the Hawks
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