2:28pm: The Hawks have officially cut Fernando, according to a press release from the team.
1:08pm: The Hawks are waiving big man Bruno Fernando, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link).
The move will let Atlanta off the hook for Fernando’s $2,717,391 salary for the 2024/25 season. That money was set to become fully guaranteed if the 25-year-old remained under contract through this Thursday. By waiving him before then, the Hawks will be able to remove it all from their cap, taking the team’s salary below the luxury tax line.
Fernando’s salary guarantee date was originally set for June 29. He and the Hawks reached an agreement to move it back to July 10, then pushed it back again to August 1.
Given that Atlanta likely would have waived him on June 29 or July 10 if he hadn’t agreed to move back his guarantee date, Fernando had some incentive to play ball in the hopes of receiving his full salary, like he did a year ago after the team postponed his guarantee deadline, then ultimately hung onto him.
It looks like it won’t work out for him this year though, and it may be more difficult for him to find a new NBA home this late in the offseason, with fewer roster spots available around the league. Still, the free agent market for centers has been picked pretty clean, so he should immediately become one of the most intriguing options available.
A five-year veteran who was a second-round pick in 2019, Fernando began his NBA career with the Hawks and was traded back to Atlanta in February 2023.
After playing eight games for the Hawks down the stretch of the 2022/23 season, he didn’t play much at all in the first half of ’23/24, appearing in just 13 of Atlanta’s first 49 games for an average of 6.5 minutes per contest. However, he was thrust into a larger role in the second half due to a series of frontcourt injuries, averaging 7.6 PPG and 5.2 RPG while shooting 59.4% from the floor and 70.1% from the line over his final 32 games (18.7 MPG).
Assuming the Hawks officially waive Fernando before 4:00 pm CT on Tuesday, he’ll be on track to clear waivers on Thursday. A team interested in placing a claim would have to commit to guaranteeing his 2024/25 salary.
Knicks?
Damn you beat me to it. As a Knicks fan, I have no idea if he fits with the team, or if he plays hard enough to crack coach Thibs rotation.
He’s better than Jericho Sims
Knicks & lakers on line 1
He’d be a nice 14th contract for Philly
Just like I said he’d get cut a month ago. Why do players agree to push back these contract guarantee dates when it’s not in their favor? Now the money and roster spots have dried up for Bruno
It was in his favor if the team could put a trade together (his contract gets guaranteed in a trade)
Roster spots were already gonna be dry, he’s looking at camp invites, no guarantees (or Overseas). Hitting Free Agency earlier wouldn’t have changed his market.
He’s worth a look. Wouldn’t consider him a first option. I still think Knicks might trade. Duren !!!! or Capela. I would love Duren. I’m ok with Capela depending on price tag.
I believe Capala is entering a contract year, so how much do we actually want to give up to get him. Now, he is an excellent defender and rebounder as well as a lob threat on the offensive side. Could be a player that we trade for and resign, but maybe there will be better options available over the trade deadline or next off season.
Cavaliers could use him to back Allen and Mobley removing the final obstacle to signing Okoro. Or to signing and trading him if it comes down to that.
Remember everyone that he is a 6’8 PF
Pelicans.
Wish that the Bulls would sign Fernando. The Bulls are way too small in the interior. All that the Bulls have are Vucevic and Joe Smith.
Joe Smith is playing again!!!!! Number 1 pick
Jalen Smith*
Fernando playing PF with the Bulls is a good idea
Yes you are correct Jalen Smith.
Your idea of Chicago is a good spot for Fernando
I don’t see much value in him. But 29 teams have the unilateral option to take him on a minimum deal, so we’ll see. I’d be surprised if the NYK had interest.
He plays defense, rebounds and gets his points off high percentage shots. He won’t hit 3 pointers but he also won’t turn the basket into a runway.
He does, but he doesn’t have the length of a rim protector, which is usually what will separates C’s with little offensive game. It will interesting to see if someone claims him, as it’s still a fairly deep C market, at least as to guys with his profile.
He is a PF at 6’8
Does anyone see Fernando as a good pickup for the Warriors?
Bruno knew this was coming.
He felt that:
There was something in the air that night.
FERNANDO heard the rumor drums.
The stars were bright, Fernando
They were shining there for you and me
For liberty, Fernando
When asked for comment, the GM stated,
“Though I never thought that we could lose
There’s no regret
If I had to do the same again
I would, my friend, Fernando
If I had to do the same again
I would, my friend, Fernando”