The Atlanta Hawks have locked up one of their 2026 draft picks, agreeing to a four-year, $9.3 million contract with center Henri Veesaar. According to NBA insider Michael Scotto, the deal includes the first two seasons fully guaranteed, while the final two years are non-guaranteed.
Veesaar, the No. 52 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, was acquired by Atlanta through a draft-night trade after originally being selected by the Los Angeles Clippers with a pick obtained from the Cleveland Cavaliers. The signing gives the Hawks another young frontcourt option as they continue reshaping their roster following a 46-36 season that ended with a first-round playoff loss to the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks.
The 7-foot Estonian arrives after an impressive senior campaign at North Carolina. Veesaar averaged 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 31.4 minutes over 31 games while shooting 60.8% from the field and an eye-catching 42.6% from three-point range on 94 attempts. His combination of interior efficiency and perimeter shooting helped elevate his draft stock after transferring from Arizona.
Across four collegiate seasons split between Arizona and North Carolina, Veesaar appeared in 97 games and posted career averages of 9.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists while shooting 60.3% from the field and 38.3% from beyond the arc. His final two seasons showcased significant development, as he averaged 9.4 points and 5.0 rebounds for Arizona in 2024-25 before making another leap offensively at North Carolina.
Atlanta’s frontcourt already features starting center Onyeka Okongwu, who averaged 15.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.1 blocks across 74 games last season while expanding his offensive game with a 37.6% mark from three. Veteran Jock Landale was recently re-signed to a one-year contract after averaging 9.1 points and 4.1 rebounds in 23 appearances.
The Hawks also have young big men Asa Newell and Mouhamed Gueye on the roster, giving the organization several developmental options behind Okongwu.
The signing continues an aggressive offseason for Atlanta after the club made several moves aimed at strengthening its depth. The Hawks acquired Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma City Thunder, traded for guard Devin Carter, re-signed CJ McCollum and Landale, and fully guaranteed Buddy Hield’s contract while remaining active in trade discussions.
Atlanta also selected guards Kingston Flemings with the eighth overall pick and forward Zuby Ejiofor at No. 23 in the first round of the draft, giving the franchise a blend of NBA-ready talent and long-term upside.
