NBA Draft Rumors: Hawks ‘Not Engaged’ in Trade Talks on No. 1 Pick amid Risacher Buzz

The Atlanta Hawks aren’t discussing any trades involving the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

“This is an organization that, right now, looks very much like they’re going to keep that number one pick,” Wojnarowski said during a Tuesday appearance on SportsCenter (1:40 mark). “They’re not engaged with anybody about moving down.”

Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer initially reported on Monday that the Hawks were among the teams that were “listening to trade offers for their selections.”

French forward Zaccharie Risacher could be the Hawks’ choice if they stand pat at No. 1, as he worked out for the team on June 19.

While fellow French prospect Alex Sarr has also been mentioned as a top choice, his potential future in Atlanta is uncertain after Hawks general manager Landry Fields confirmed on Tuesday that he declined to work out for the team.

Although O’Connor noted that Atlanta has interest in UConn center Donovan Clingan, he added that the team would “ideally prefer to trade down” in order to select him. With the Hawks reportedly not engaged in trade discussions involving the No. 1 pick, Risacher may be joining the team instead.

Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman projected Atlanta using the No. 1 pick on Risacher during his latest mock draft. Wasserman compared the 19-year-old to Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. and Sacramento Kings wing Harrison Barnes in his scouting report.

“Every lottery team could use or has room for an athletic, three-and-D wing, which seems like the worst-case outcome for Risacher,” Wasserman wrote. “A high floor means more in an uncertain draft.”

With time winding down before the draft begins, it appears increasingly likely that the Hawks will keep the No. 1 selection. The first round begins on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.