Report: Hawks agree to multi-year deal with 7-foot-3 Walter Tavares

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Once thought to be at risk of losing size in free agency, the Atlanta Hawks have swiftly put together one of the most imposing frontcourts in the Eastern Conference.

The Hawks have agreed to a multi-year deal with 7-foot-3 center Walter "Edy" Tavares, according to Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports.

The length and annual salary of the deal remain unclear, but Tavares turned down a more lucrative offer from Fenerbahce of the Turkish league, according to international reporter David Pick.

Tavares joins incumbent center Al Horford, re-signed power forward Paul MiIlsap, and recently acquired center Tiago Splitter. That's an embarrassment of frontcourt riches, one that should allow the Hawks to bring the 23-year-old Tavares along slowly if necessary.

The Hawks made Tavares the No. 43 selection in the 2014 draft, betting that an extra year of seasoning could help the Cape Verde export better utilize his immense frame. Tavares is not only 7-3, but boasts a 7-foot-6 wingspan - some say it stretches to 7-9 - and has terrific rebounding and shot-blocking instincts.

He may not contribute much on offense, but he'll be a nice defensive piece off the bench.

Tavares spent 2014-15 with Gran Canaria of the Spanish ACB league, the world's second-most competitive playing environment. In 60 games, he averaged 8.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks, shooting 62.6 percent from the floor in 22.1 minutes. Playing those kind of minutes at that level, and doing so productively, speaks well to Tavares' potential to hit the NBA ground running.

He also appeared in six summer league games for Atlanta in 2014, a situation that could repeat itself later this month.