Hawks’ looming Onyeka Okongwu decision should be no-brainer

Zach Langley of Soaring Down South argues that the Atlanta Hawks should proactively sign center Onyeka Okongwu to a contract extension. Okongwu enters his seventh season with the franchise as the clear starting center, and the Hawks have until an October 19 deadline to finalize an extension.

The Hawks can reportedly offer Okongwu a three-year extension worth $76.6 million, averaging roughly $25 million annually. Langley notes that securing a deal now could prevent Okongwu's price tag from rising toward $30 million annually before he potentially reaches unrestricted free agency in 2028.