The Atlanta Hawks have officially signed sharpshooter Caleb Houstan to a one-year deal designed to enhance the team’s shooting depth. The agreement, revealed recently, is an Exhibit 10 contract worth $2.3 million, which will not impact the Hawks’ salary cap until the regular season begins. This strategic move aims to strengthen the roster without limiting the team’s financial flexibility.
According to hoopsrumors, Exhibit 10 contracts are one-year minimum salary deals that do not offer compensation protection but may include a bonus. These contracts only count against the salary cap once the preseason ends and the player remains with the team for the regular season.
Exhibit 10 contracts are one-year deals worth the minimum salary. They don’t come with any compensation protection, but can include an optional bonus. Exhibit 10 contracts don’t count against a team’s salary cap during the offseason. However, they would begin to count against the cap if a team decides to keep a player on an Exhibit 10 contract into the regular season, essentially converting his deal to a standard one-year, minimum-salary deal.
—hoopsrumors
Houstan’s Role and Potential Impact With the Hawks
Caleb Houstan’s skill set aligns well with what the Hawks need from a role player, especially in terms of size, shooting capability, and defensive potential. He is expected to compete vigorously for the team‘s 15th roster spot, fighting alongside other hopefuls. His playoff experience in recent seasons could provide added value to the Hawks’ young lineup by offering leadership in high-pressure moments.
During the 2024-25 season with the Orlando Magic, Houstan appeared in 58 games, starting six, and compiled averages of 4.1 points and 1.3 rebounds in 13.6 minutes per game. His shooting percentages were solid, with a 42.1% field goal rate, 40.0% from three-point range, and an 88.2% free throw accuracy. Following the All-Star break, Houstan’s three-point shooting surged to a remarkable 50.7%, ranking second in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA among players with at least 35 made 3-pointers over that stretch.
One of his standout performances came against Minnesota on March 14, when Houstan scored a season-high 18 points, hitting six three-pointers (6-8 3FG), while also recording four steals in 27 minutes. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor makes him a promising optional addition.
Background and Career Overview of Caleb Houstan
Selected 32nd overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by Orlando, Caleb Houstan has appeared in 168 career games with 23 starts, averaging 4.1 points and 1.5 rebounds in 14.4 minutes per contest. In addition to regular-season experience, he has participated in eight playoff games across two postseason runs with the Magic, giving him valuable postseason exposure that is rare for a young player fighting for a roster spot.
Trae Young’s Evolving Role Amid Hawks’ Roster Adjustments
While Caleb Houstan refines the team’s shooting and bench depth, the spotlight remains strongly on Trae Young. With offseason changes finalized, the expectations for Trae Young Hawks assist expectations are notably high for the upcoming season. Fans and analysts alike anticipate that Young will elevate his playmaking to new heights, building upon his established status as the team’s primary facilitator and scorer.
Such optimism around Young’s contributions aligns with the team’s efforts to optimize their supporting cast, ensuring that he receives enough spacing and defensive attention to maximize his on-court effectiveness.
Looking Ahead: Impact of Roster Moves on Hawks’ Success
The signing of Caleb Houstan and the finalized roster set the stage for an intriguing season for the Atlanta Hawks. Houstan’s perimeter shooting and playoff experience enhance the team’s versatility, while Trae Young’s assist expectations continue to climb as he adapts to his evolving role. This combination could prove instrumental in the Hawks’ quest for deeper playoff runs and sustained competitiveness within the NBA.
As the regular season approaches, close attention will be paid to how these roster additions and adjustments translate into on-court chemistry and results. The Hawks aim to balance youth and experience effectively, positioning themselves as a team capable of growth and success in 2025.