2 trades Hawks must consider with No. 1 pick in 2024 NBA Draft
06/14/2024 08:26 PM
Not a lot has gone right for the Atlanta Hawks ever since they made the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021. However, they were able to gain a massive stroke of luck in the 2024 NBA Draft lottery. The Hawks jumped nine spots to land the number one overall pick.
It’s a move that gives them a ton of versatility this offseason. The Hawks could trade the first pick for draft capital or deal the likes of Trae Young and/or Dejounte Murray, building around the player they land at No.1.
If Atlanta elects to trade their top overall selection, there are a pair of deals that make the most sense.
Hawks make a swap with Wizards
Hawks receive: No. 2, No. 26 overall picks, Corey Kispert
Wizards receive: No. 1 overall pick, De’Andre Hunter
The current betting favorite to be the number one overall pick is Alex Sarr. Sarr is a young big man who was a key contributor for the Perth Wildcats on their journey to the NBL Finals. He’s arguably the best player in the 2024 NBA Draft, but he’d be a big redundant in Atlanta. Not only do the Hawks still have Clint Capela on their roster, but Onyeka Okongwu looks ready to be the center of the future.
Atlanta could very well pivot towards Zaccharie Risacher, another French forward, with the first pick. He’d be a cleaner fit on their roster compared to Sarr. However, they could land Risacher and net extra assets if they were to trade back with the Washington Wizards. The Wizards own the second pick and have a much more dire need for a big like Sarr.
The Wizards get their guy in Sarr with the first overall pick and also get wing De’Andre Hunter. To move up one spot, all they give up is the 26th pick, which they acquired at the trade deadline for center Daniel Gafford, and Corey Kispert.
This makes a ton of sense for the Hawks. Risacher is the exact type of wing they need. He is an excellent defender who can defend multiple positions and spread the floor for Young and Murray. Risacher is not a great on-ball creator on offense but he can shine playing off of guys who can.
Another big French playoff outing for Zaccharie Risacher, this time vs top Euroleague squad Monaco. 21 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals and the important road win in game 2 of the semis for the 19-year old, No. 1 ranked prospect in ESPN's Top-100. pic.twitter.com/f39BejHDyY
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 25, 2024
The Hawks also shed the $69.9 million they owe Hunter over the next three seasons. On top of that, they add another first to their disposal. This would be a great deal for both sides if these two can pull it off.
Hawks make another Trade with Spurs
Hawks receive: No. 4 overall pick, 2025 first-round pick (via Atlanta)
Spurs receive: No. 1 overall pick
Hawks head coach Quin Snyder is reportedly enamored with UConn center Donovan Clingan. If that is the case, then they’d likely be able to get him with the fourth pick if they were to take on this deal. On top of that, they’d get one of their first-round picks back.
The Hawks traded their first-round picks in 2025 and 2027 along with a 2026 pick swap for Murray back in 2022. That deal has not bore the fruit that Atlanta anticipated and has since put them behind the eight ball. They’re stuck in the middle, but they cannot really tear down their roster without control of their firsts over the next three seasons.
This trade would buy them some of that control back and give them more versatility in the offseason. They can stomach a trade of Young and/or Murray more easily with their pick in 2025 to fall back on alongside a player they like in Clingan.
The first overall pick hasn’t been traded since 2017. If ever there was a draft for that to happen again, it would be this year where it seems like anything can take place. The Hawks could make a few trades with the number one pick that would really help in the present and future. What the Hawks elect to do with that selection will be worth watching.
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