The Atlanta Hawks signed guards Lamont Butler, Deivon Smith and M.J. Walker.
Butler started all 27 games for Kentucky last season, posting career highs of 11.4 points, 4.3 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 26.0 minutes. The Moreno Valley, California native was a member of Atlanta’s NBA Summer League team.
Butler spent his first four collegiate seasons at San Diego State from 2020 to 2024, leading the Aztecs to the 2023 NCAA National Championship Game. He finished his Aztecs career ranked fifth all-time in steals with 183 and 10th in assists with 338.
Butler was named Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2023-24. He earned three selections to the conference’s All-Defensive Team during his time at San Diego State.
Smith appeared in two games with the Hawks during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, averaging 5.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 14.2 minutes. The Decatur, Georgia native played 30 games for St. John’s during the 2024-25 season, recording 9.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists.
Smith played for four different programs during his five-year collegiate career. He suited up for Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, Utah and St. John’s, appearing in 139 total games.
Walker has appeared in two NBA games with the Phoenix Suns during the 2021-22 season on a 10-day contract. He has played 132 career NBA G League games across four seasons with the Westchester Knicks and Greensboro Swarm, averaging 10.5 points in 25.0 minutes.
The 6-5 guard from Jonesboro, Georgia knocked down a career-high 10 three-pointers in a win over Mexico City on February 21, 2025. Walker played four seasons at Florida State from 2017 to 2021, earning All-ACC Second Team honors in 2021.