The Hawks agreed to a one-year, $6 million contract with free agent Ersan Ilyasova on Wednesday, according to a person familar with the situation. The deal was first reported by The Vertical.
Ilyasova returns to the Hawks after the forward appeared in 26 regular-season games last season after he was acquired in February. He averaged 10.4 points and 5.8 rebounds in 24 minutes during the regular season and 4.0 points and 5.2 rebounds in 15 minutes during the postseason. Ilyasova also played for the Thunder and 76ers last season, appearing in 82 regular-season games for the first time in his nine-year NBA career. The 30-year-old native of Turkey averaged 13.1 points and 5.9 rebounds with all three teams last season.
“It was a great experience,” Ilyasova said at his exit interview following the Hawks’ playoff series loss to the Wizards. “I really feel comfortable with the group of guys we have here. It’s all about how it’s going to work out this summer.”
Hawks general manager Travis Schlenk said he would look to sign a power forward after the loss of Paul Millsap in free agency. Rookie John Collins was the only power forward on the roster.
The Hawks have agreed to contracts with three players this summer — including two of their own unrestricted free agents. Mike Muscala agreed to terms last week and Dewayne Dedmon agreed Wednesday.
