Hawks Decline $8.5M Qualifying Offer, Saddiq Bey Becomes Free Agent After ACL Injury

Jun 29, 2024, 04:54 PM

The Atlanta Hawks have decided not to extend a qualifying offer to forward Saddiq Bey, making him an unrestricted free agent. The qualifying offer was valued at $8.5 million. Bey, who averaged 13.7 points and 6.5 rebounds last season before suffering a torn left ACL in March, is expected to make a full recovery. Since being drafted 19th overall in 2020, Bey has averaged 14 points per game with the Pistons and Hawks. The decision not to offer Bey the qualifying offer is partly due to salary cap constraints, as the offer would have pushed Atlanta against the first salary cap apron. The Hawks could potentially re-sign Bey next summer using Bird rights if he rehabs successfully.