William Baker joins the Atlanta Hawks, a 25-year-old rookie center who moved from outside the NBA roster picture onto Atlanta's active roster as of Tuesday, Sep 15. His contract terms are not yet on file, and he arrives as one of 23 players on a Hawks roster carrying $197.0 million in payroll for 2026-27.
The move
William Baker joins the Atlanta Hawks roster, moving from free agency with no prior NBA roster spot. The move was detected from the official roster on Tuesday, Sep 15. No injury report entry preceded this move; none is logged for Baker at this time. He is a 25-year-old center entering his rookie season, and Atlanta now carries him as its newest roster addition heading into 2026-27.
The money
Baker's contract is not on file yet; public salary data can lag a signing by a day. Atlanta's 2026-27 payroll stands at $197.0 million across 17 contracts, above the $165.0 million salary cap but below the $200.4 million luxury tax line. The Hawks remain under both aprons, with the first set at $209.0 million and the second at $221.7 million, giving the front office room before harsher roster restrictions apply.
The fit
Baker has no NBA line last season; he enters as a rookie with no prior professional statistics on record. Atlanta's frontcourt minutes last season went to Onyeka Okongwu at 31.0 minutes and 15.2 points and Kristaps Porziņģis at 24.3 minutes and 17.1 points, the two players who logged the most time at center. The Hawks now carry 23 players on the roster, above the standard 15-man limit thanks to three two-way spots, and Baker joins that group as a rookie big man.
What is William Baker's contract with the Hawks?
Not on file yet. Public salary data can lag a signing by a day.
Was there an injury report tied to this move?
No, none is logged for Baker at this time.
How many players are on the Hawks roster now?
23, against a standard limit of 15 plus three two-way spots.
What position does Baker play, and how old is he?
Center. He is 25 years old and entering his rookie season.