NBA rumors: Hawks sign Dewayne Dedmon to two-year, $14 million deal

Dewayne Dedmon and the Atlanta Hawks have reportedly agreed to a two-year deal.

After letting go of former three-time Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard and losing All-Star Paul Millsap in free agency to the Denver Nuggets, the Atlanta Hawks were in dire need of a big man. They may have a found a solution as the team and center Dewayne Dedmon have reportedly agreed to a contract.

Dedmon, who is coming off of a strong season with the San Antonio Spurs, is rumored to be signing a two-year, $14 million contract with the Hawks, according to USA Today Sports’ Sam Amick. Additionally, the deal also has a player option in the second year.

Dedmon, who has played four seasons in the NBA, was the Spurs go-to big man off the bench. He is a big, strong center who can grab rebounds and defend in the post. When Gregg Popovich needed someone to tighten up the defense in the post or to intimidate slashers, the Spurs’ coach would often call upon Dedmon for the task.

With the departures of Howard and Millsap, the Hawks needed an additional big man. Last season, Howard provided a lot of defense, rebounding, and inside scoring for the team (averaged 13.5 points, 12.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game). Though Dedmon most likely will not average nearly as many points and rebounds as Howard, he can provide the team with solid rim protection, and he is a dependable rebounder.

Next: Post-NBA Free Agency power rankings

The Hawks currently have centers Miles Plumlee, Diamond Stone, and John Collins on their roster.

Last season, in 17.5 minutes a game, Dedmon averaged 5.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 0.8 blocks, and 0.5 steals per game for the Spurs. During the playoffs, he played 8.1 minutes a game and averaged 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.