Every decision Tony Ressler has made since gaining control of the Atlanta Hawks has been to show everyone around the NBA that this is a franchise that is willing to spend significant money to become of the premier teams in the league. That has not always been the case for the Hawks.
Under Ressler, the Hawks have renovated State Farm Arena, making it one of the nicest arenas across the league; built a state-of-the-art practice facility, bought a G League team that is more beneficial for the team as its headquarters are near the Atlanta airport and have reconnected with the community to make meaningful change across the city.
Those were necessary aesthetic changes the team had to make, but the core of the business is the product on the court, and Ressler has shown that he’s willing to spend whatever is needed to keep the roster intact. The Hawks agreed to a maximum contract with Trae Young that could be worth up to $207 million if he is named to the All-NBA team or wins MVP this season; John Collins signed a five-year, $125 million deal; Kevin Huerter signed a four-year, $65 million rookie extension and Clint Capela agreed to a two-year, $42 million deal that could be worth $46 million if he hits incentives.
Ressler has said on numerous occasions how he has no qualms with paying the luxury tax if he believes the Hawks have a team that could be contenders. As of now, the Hawks will be in the tax for the 2022-23 season.
