As everyone expected, the Hawks lockdown Hunter for another four years. Hunter has been a critical piece of the Hawks, and they need him to go far into the playoffs. However, many people questioned whether or not this deal was an overpay for Hunter.

Comparing Contracts

One of the most sought players in the NBA is the 3-and-D archetype that defends the opposing team’s best player and can take it off the dribble and create offense. Hunter falls in that archetype, and comparing his contracts to other players of his caliber makes sense. Mikal Bridges signed a four-year, $90 million contract last year. Bridges is a 3-and-D player, similar to Hunter. The contract was seen as an overpay, but a massive underpay, as the Phoenix Suns have made deep playoff runs over the past couple of seasons. Andrew Wiggins signed the same deal as Bridges, signing a contract for a four-year, $90 million. Wiggins took a team-friendly deal, as he deserves more than his given deal, as he helped the Golden State Warriors win the championship earlier this summer.

Health Concerns

While players like Andrew Wiggins and Mikal Bridges earned similar contracts, many people consider this an overpay due to Hunter’s health. Bridges has yet to miss a game in his career, and Wiggins has also stayed relatively healthy. Hunter missed 78 regular season games in his career, and many are concerned about his health when paying him a sizable contract. 

Cap Space

The NBA is gaining more and more cap space each year, which means NBA teams will have more money to sign more players. The last two years of Hunter’s contract are team-friendly, as the cap will rise as NBA due to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Deal to begin this season, garnering $133 million.

Final Verdict

Hunter’s contract is not an overpay. I cannot emphasize this enough, 3-and-D wings are the core pieces of a team that wants to win a championship. The Atlanta Hawks need Deandre Hunter healthy and to improve his offensive game to win the championship. Hunter is already playing excellent individual defense and shows flashes of his offensive repertoire. Locking up Deandre Hunter is a key factor for the Hawks’ success, so it is understandable he is given the appropriate amount.