Former first-round pick signs two-way deal with Hawks

Guard Dylan Windler is signing a two-way contract with the Hawks, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. 

The Hawks had an open two-way slot after converting Trent Forrest to a standard deal, so no corresponding move is required.

Windler spent most of the year on a two-way deal with the Lakers before he was waived to make room for Harry Giles. 

He began the year on a two-way contract with the Knicks. In 11 games this year between the Knicks and Lakers, Windler is averaging 1.3 points.

He’s been much more productive in the G League, averaging 13.3 points and 8.2 rebounds in 16 games. He turned heads earlier this season by recording a G League single-game record 33 rebounds on Jan. 5.

He’s eligible to be active in 12 of Atlanta’s 22 remaining games this season.

Windler, 27, was the 26th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. He spent the first three years of his career with the Cavaliers, averaging 3.3 points and 2.3 rebounds in 84 games with the team. 

Even though two-way players are limited to three or fewer years of service, Windler is eligible for a two-way contract due to the new “Harry Giles rule,” which allows players with four years of service to sign two-way deals if they missed a full season due to injury.

Because of the terms of the rule, Windler is only eligible to sign a one-year, two-way deal, which means he’ll be eligible for restricted free agency this offseason. 

He’ll have the rest of the season to make an impression on the organization and compete for a spot on the standard roster for next season.