The Hawks intend to sign point guard Jose Calderon to fill their open roster spot, according to several people familiar with the situation. The impending signing was first reported by ESPN’s Marc Stein.
The deal is somewhat complicated in that Calderon has not cleared waivers. He has agreed to join the Hawks, who could claim him or wait until he clears waivers at 5 p.m. Saturday. The issue facing the Hawks and Calderon is whether another team with a worse record claims the point guard first.
The Hawks have had an open roster spot since last week when Lamar Patterson and the team mutually agreed to the player’s release to deal with a personal matter. The move came just days after Patterson signed a multi-year deal.
Calderon, 35, recently was bought out by the Lakers. He signed with the Warriors and was waived hours later. The Warriors signed Matt Barnes after Kevin Durant suffered a knee injury that will cost him at least several weeks. He will be paid $415,000 by the Warriors.
The Hawks would pick up Calderson’s salary if he is claimed or sign him to the veteran minimum once he clears waivers.
Calderon is in his 12th NBA season and has played for the Raptors, Pistons, Mavericks, Knicks and Lakers. He appeared in 24 games for the Lakers this season and averaged 3.3 points, 2.1 assists and 1.7 rebounds in 12.2 minutes. Calderon has career averages of 9.7 points, 6.3 assists and 2.6 rebounds in 28.3 minutes over 772 career games, including 557 starts.
Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said recently that the Hawks intended to fill the open roster spot with a true point guard and not a combo-guard. The Hawks have starter Dennis Schroder and backup Malcolm Delaney at the position.
The Hawks’ next game after he clears waivers is Sunday afternoon against the Pacers.
