What's Happening?
The Atlanta Hawks have officially waived big man Will Baker, as announced by the team in a recent press release. This move reduces the team's offseason roster to 19 players, opening up a second spot on their 21-man roster. Baker, who went undrafted in 2024
after playing at LSU, has spent the last two seasons in the G League. During the 2024-25 season, he played for the Iowa Wolves, and in the 2025-26 season, he was with the Osceola Magic. With the Magic, the 6'11" center averaged 9.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in 18.6 minutes per game across 43 appearances. He also participated in the Summer League in Las Vegas in July, where he averaged 8.0 points and 2.3 rebounds in three games, playing an average of 11.4 minutes. The plan for Baker is to join the College Park Skyhawks, the Hawks' G League affiliate, whose returning rights were acquired by Atlanta in a four-team trade last month. Baker was on an Exhibit 10 contract with the Hawks and is set to receive a $91,000 bonus if he remains with the Skyhawks for at least 60 days this fall.
Why It's Important?
This roster adjustment by the Atlanta Hawks is significant for several reasons, primarily concerning team composition and player development within the NBA and its developmental G League. By waiving Will Baker, the Hawks create flexibility in their offseason roster, allowing them to potentially sign other players or manage salary cap considerations more effectively. For Baker, the move to the College Park Skyhawks, the Hawks' G League affiliate, provides a clear pathway for continued professional development within the organization's system. The Exhibit 10 contract and the associated bonus incentivize Baker to commit to the G League team, which can be a crucial step for undrafted players aiming to eventually secure a spot on an NBA roster. This strategy allows the Hawks to retain control over a promising young player while he hones his skills in a competitive environment. It also highlights the increasing importance of the G League as a proving ground and a direct pipeline for NBA teams to develop talent without immediately committing a full roster spot.
What's Next?
Following the waiver, Will Baker is expected to join the College Park Skyhawks, the Atlanta Hawks' G League affiliate, as planned. His performance with the Skyhawks will be closely monitored by the Hawks' front office and coaching staff, as his Exhibit 10 contract includes a bonus contingent on him spending at least 60 days with the affiliate. This arrangement suggests that the Hawks view Baker as a developmental prospect with potential for future integration into the main roster, provided he demonstrates significant improvement and consistency in the G League. The Hawks will continue to evaluate their roster needs and potential acquisitions, with the newly opened spot providing them with additional flexibility as they approach the upcoming season. Other teams may also consider signing Baker if he becomes available, though his commitment to the Skyhawks under the Exhibit 10 contract makes that less likely in the immediate future. The focus for Baker will be on maximizing his time in the G League to prove his capabilities and earn a more permanent role.
Beyond the Headlines
The waiving of Will Baker and his subsequent move to the G League affiliate underscores a broader trend in professional basketball: the strategic utilization of the G League as an integral part of NBA team building and player development. For undrafted players like Baker, the G League offers a structured environment to refine skills, gain professional experience, and remain on the radar of NBA teams. The Exhibit 10 contract, in particular, highlights the financial incentives and pathways created to bridge the gap between the G League and the NBA. This system allows teams to invest in talent without immediately occupying a valuable NBA roster spot, fostering a more robust developmental pipeline. It also reflects the increasing specialization of roles within basketball organizations, where G League affiliates are not just separate entities but extensions of the main team's development philosophy. This approach can lead to more homegrown talent and a deeper understanding of player potential within a team's specific system, ultimately impacting the long-term competitiveness of NBA franchises.
