The Atlanta Hawks hold the No. 1 pick in this summer's NBA Draft and thus have the most leverage in any possible draft-day trade scenario. With the draft soon approaching, rumors have been flying as the basketball world continues to speculate Atlanta's next moves.
While it's not confirmed, the Hawks are reportedly taking a long look at French prospect Zaccharie Risacher with the top pick, via ESPN's Jonathan Givony.
“While it appears the Hawks are far from making final decisions, many teams say their intel indicates Risacher remains the favorite at No. 1, partially because of the dual-track flexibility he offers of either remaining competitive next season or tapping into his upside as the type of big, versatile wing that is difficult to acquire outside the draft,” Givony wrote. “The Hawks will bring Risacher in for a workout Wednesday, his first with the team thus far, which should help add clarity regarding his standing.”
UConn's Donovan Clingan is another option, as he reportedly impressed the team during his workout. The two-time NCAA champion averaged 13 points per game on a ninth-ranked 63.9% shooting clip last season, to go with 7.4 boards and 1.5 assists.
League sources told ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel that Atlanta is seriously considering Clingan as well, assuming it doesn't trade down. Meanwhile, fellow French international Alex Sarr is unlikely to be taken there. Siegel had previously mocked him to the Hawks first overall, but that was before this new intel.
However, none of this answers the franchise's most burning question: what will it do with star guard Trae Young?
A Trae Young trade doesn't appear likely for the Hawks right now
With Atlanta failing to reach the Conference Semifinals since its deep run in 2020-21, many have speculated whether it'd deal Young to usher in a rebuild. However, that doesn't appear to be the type of trade the team's looking into.
“The status of Atlanta's Trae Young is the big question hovering over the franchise,” Givony continued. “One option that has been widely discussed among teams is the possibility of the Hawks reacquiring their unprotected 2025 first-round pick from San Antonio (perhaps in a swap for the No. 4 pick), which would give the team far more flexibility for rebuilding. That would currently be difficult to fathom, with their next three draft picks (2025, 2026 swap rights and 2027) owned by the Spurs.”
There are conflicting reports, as Hawks general manager Landry Fields has said he intends on keeping the first pick, via NBC Sports. However, that could be a smokescreen.
“The Hawks worked out Reed Sheppard last week and Clingan before that, two attractive options at No. 4 should they elect to slide back,” Givony said. “Atlanta also brought in Matas Buzelis, Cody Williams and Ron Holland for workouts.”
While it seems most likely that Atlanta selects Clingan or Risacher first overall, don't be surprised if the squad works out a deal with the Spurs to replenish its draft capital. This could be a rare opportunity for the Hawks to get one of their picks back from the Dejounte Murray trade, while still getting to keep him.
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