Atlanta Hawks sign Tyler Cavanaugh to multi-year contract

When the Atlanta Hawks parted ways with Nicolas Brussino on Dec. 8, the widespread assumption was that the team would use the open roster spot to secure a contract with two-way player Tyler Cavanaugh. On Monday afternoon, that assumption became reality, as the Hawks announced a “multi-year” contract for the 23-year-old rookie.

In addition, Shams Charania of The Vertical reports that it will be a two-year pact.

Cavanaugh has impressed in limited time this season, averaging 14.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per 36 minutes and producing impressive efficiency with 50.7 percent shooting from the floor and 40.7 percent shooting from three-point range. The undrafted big man from George Washington first emerged for the Hawks in the Las Vegas Summer League before garnering a training camp invite and he was later added to the roster via Atlanta’s second two-way contract in early November.

With John Collins back and the duo of Dewayne Dedmon and Mike Muscala theoretically returning down the line, Cavanaugh may not garner significant playing time in the near future. Still, this move makes sense (especially if the second year is non-guaranteed) given what he has flashed and it was also the opposite of a well-kept secret.

Stay tuned.