2 trades the Hawks should consider with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft

Not much has gone right for the Atlanta Hawks since reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021. However, they may have had a huge shot at the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery. Hawks moved up nine spots to land the first overall pick.

It’s a move that gives them a ton of versatility this offseason. The Hawks could trade the top pick for draft capital or deal Trae Young and/or Dejounte Murray, building on which player they place at No. 1.

If Atlanta chooses to trade its top overall selection, there are two deals that make the most sense.

Hawks make trade with Wizards

Hawks receive: No. 2 pick, No. 26 overall, Corey Kispert

Wizards receive: No. 1 overall pick, De’Andre Hunter

The current betting favorite to be the number one pick is Alex Sarr. Sarr is a young big man who was a key contributor for the Perth Wildcats during their run to the NBL Finals. He’s arguably the best player in the 2024 NBA Draft, but he would be a big redundant in Atlanta. Not only do the Hawks still have Clint Capela on their roster, but Onyeka Okongwu appears poised to be the center of the future.

Atlanta could very well pivot to Zaccharie Risacher, another French striker, with the first pick. He would be better placed on their list than Sarr. However, they could land Risacher and get some net additional assets if they trade back with the Washington Wizards. The Wizards own the second pick and have a much more pressing need for a big like Sarr.

The Wizards get their guy in Sarr with the first overall pick and also get winger De’Andre Hunter. To move up one spot, they only gave up the 26th pick, which they acquired at the trade deadline for center Daniel Gafford and Corey Kispert.

This makes a lot of sense for the Hawks. Risacher is exactly the type of wing they need. He is an excellent defender who can defend multiple positions and open the way for Young and Murray. Risacher isn’t a great ball creator on offense, but he can shine playing against guys who can.

The Hawks also lost the $69.9 million they owe Hunter over the next three seasons. On top of that, they add another first to their disposal. It would be a good deal for both parties if these two could 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 in love with UConn center Donovan Clingan. If that’s the case, then they could probably get him with the fourth pick if they take this deal. On top of that, they would get one of their first-round picks back.

The Hawks traded their 2025 and 2027 first-round picks as well as a 2026 pick swap for Murray in 2022. This deal did not bear the fruit Atlanta expected and has since placed them behind the eighth ball. They’re stuck in the middle, but they can’t really destroy their roster without controlling their frontcourt over the next three seasons.

This trade would allow them to regain some of that control and give them more versatility in the offseason. They can more easily stomach a trade of Young and/or Murray with their 2025 pick to lean on alongside a player they like in Clingan.

The No. 1 overall pick hasn’t been traded since 2017. If there was ever a draft for that to happen again, it would be this year where it seems like anything can happen. The Hawks could make a few trades with the number one pick that would really help in the present and future. What the Hawks choose to do with this selection will be worth watching.