Hawks, Ilyasova reach tentative buyout agreement

Atlanta Hawks forward Ersan Ilyasova, second from right, of Turkey, shoots as Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball, left, guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, second from left, and center Brook Lopez defend during the first half of a basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Credit: Mark J. Terrill

Credit: Mark J. Terrill

Atlanta Hawks forward Ersan Ilyasova, second from right, of Turkey, shoots as Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball, left, guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, second from left, and center Brook Lopez defend during the first half of a basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

The Hawks and forward Ersan Ilyasova tentatively agreed to a buyout of the remainder of his contract, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. Once Ilyasova accepts a buyout and clears waivers, as expected, he will be free to sign with any other team for the rest of the season.

Ilyasova’s contract expires at the end of the season and he is eligible to become a free agent in the summer. Earlier this month, Ilyasova invoked his right to reject the trade offers the Hawks presented to him.

Under collective bargaining rules, Ilyasova is eligible for a larger contract as a free agent this summer than he would be if he had accepted a trade.

Ilyasova played 26 games for the Hawks last season after they acquired him in a trade with the Sixers. He re-signed with them last summer for one year and $6 million.

In 72 total games (53 starts) with the Hawks, Ilyasova averaged 10.7 points and 5.6 rebounds in 25.1 minutes per game while shooting 35.5 percent on 3-pointers.