From the head coach and roster to the ownership group, the Hawks are chock-full of former Duke basketball players.
Atlanta has agreed to terms with veteran Duke standout Luke Kennard on a one-year, $11 million contract. Kennard, a seasoned 3-and-D wing, brings elite floor spacing to the Hawks—he shot a scorching 40 percent from deep last season and has ranked in the top ten in three-point percentage over the past several years
His move to Atlanta further deepens the Duke-Hawks connection. He’ll now link up with fellow Duke alum Jalen Johnson on the roster, be coached by former Blue Devil Quin Snyder, and play under an organization part-owned by another Duke legend, Grant Hill .
Kennard’s career has been defined by his sharpshooting: he currently holds an active career 3-point percentage of 43.8 percent—the best in the NBA—and has ranked among the league leaders in percentage for five consecutive seasons, including winning the title in 2021–22 and 2022–23 . This move adds a proven marksman to a Hawks team that is leaning into spacing for Trae Young.
During the 2024–25 season with Memphis, Kennard averaged 10 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. He was ninth in the NBA in three-point percentage last year .
Now in his ninth NBA season, Kennard arrives in Atlanta looking to bolster the bench unit, bringing playoff experience from stints with Detroit, the Clippers, and the Grizzlies. His signing aligns with the Hawks’ strategy to shore up shooting and complement Young’s playmaking
