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The Atlanta Hawks have reached an agreement with restricted free agent N’Faly Dante, extending him a two-year, $4.5 million offer sheet.

Under NBA free agency rules, the Houston Rockets, Dante’s previous team, will have 48 hours to decide whether they want to match the deal once it is officially signed. Houston had previously extended the player a two-way qualifying offer earlier this offseason, giving them the right of first refusal.

Dante, a 6-foot-11 center, spent his rookie season primarily developing with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the Rockets’ G League affiliate. While his NBA playing time was limited to just six games, he made a significant impact in the G League.

In 42 appearances, Dante averaged an impressive 15 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, while shooting an ultra-efficient 74.4% from the field. His size, rim protection, and finishing ability made him a reliable interior presence and one of the Vipers’ most consistent contributors.

The Rockets, however, face a challenge in retaining him. Due to salary cap restrictions, Houston is currently pressed against the first-apron hard cap, meaning they do not have the flexibility to match Atlanta’s offer without making a corresponding roster move to clear salary space.

Unless the Rockets are willing to restructure their roster quickly, they risk losing Dante to the Hawks. For Atlanta, the move addresses a clear need. The Hawks have been exploring ways to bolster their depth at the center position behind starter Onyeka Okongwu.

With the addition of Dante, they now add another young, athletic big man to a frontcourt that also includes Kristaps Porzingis, acquired this offseason, and second-year center Mouhamed Gueye.

Dante’s defensive presence and energy on the glass could earn him a meaningful role in Atlanta’s rotation, particularly as the team continues to build a more balanced roster around their star guards.

N'Faly Dante, Hawks Sign Two-Year, $4.5M Offer Sheet https://t.co/HhJJFovj2u