Hawks Hand Out Final Rookie Extension Of The 2019 Draft Class

The Atlanta Hawks snuck in the final huge rookie extension signing of the season, just before the deadline on Monday, inking forward De'Andre Hunter to a four-year, $95M deal.

At the 6 PM ET buzzer: Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter has agreed on a four-year, $95 million contract extension, his agents Thad Foucher and Joe Smith of @Wassbasketball tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/mDm6hZTosm

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 18, 2022

According to Michael Scotto, $90M is guaranteed, while the other $5M comprises "unlikely" bonuses. 

The 24-year-old Hunter averaged 13.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 52 games last season for the Hawks, which were all down a tick from his previous two seasons. However, he shot 37.9% from 3-point range, by far the best mark of his 3-year career. And he really stepped it up big-time in the playoffs, when he averaged 21.2 points while firing threes at a 46% clip in the Hawks' tough series with the Miami Heat.

But the most important element Hunter brings to the Hawks' lineup is defense. 

While guarded by De’Andre Hunter this season, opponents have:
- shot 7/22 from the field (31.8%)
- shot 3/11 from three (27.2%)
- turned it over 4 times with just 5 assists

Bringing that UVA 🔒 defense to the NBA!!

pic.twitter.com/Z3fCjkJZSt

— Locker Room Access (@LockerRoomInc) October 25, 2021

According to ESPN Stats and Information research, he ranked in the Top 10 in defending matched-up against 2022 All-Stars last season, by opponents' effective field goal percentage (just 45.7%). 

Hunter was the 4th overall pick of the 2019 Draft, and he became the 11th and final player from that draft class to sign a big extension before the deadline. All the others who didn't sign will become restricted free agents at season's end. 

Photo: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports