busy offseason regardless of if they won the lottery, but winning it gives them flexibility that they did not previously have. There is still the question of what Atlanta does with their backcourt of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, but having the No. 1 pick makes parting with one of them easier.
As an asset management play, though, this absolutely tracks. Atlanta would get a top-five prospect and carve out a window in which it can entertain more seismic changes ahead of the 2024-25 campaign without worrying about forfeiting a glitzy lottery selection next June.Because they're smitten by the idea of playing Victor Wembanyama alongside Alex Sarr.
This is one trade that the Hawks should be interested in if they don't want to take Sarr. They would get their own pick back next year, which would help if they have an underwhelming season, they only fall three spots. Would they just go back to No. 4 if they like Risacher the most in the draft? That would be the smart thing to do in that scenario. They get the player they want and their own pick back next season.Atlanta Hawks Receive: No. 2 pick, No.
If general manager Will Dawkins, team president Michael Winger and their scouting department believe there is a material difference between their top guy and everyone else, the chance to determine their own fate would go from luxury to potentially franchise-altering."