With the 2026 NBA Draft just about here, the Atlanta Hawks appear to be involved in trade talks.
The 2026 NBA Draft is just about here and set to add another layer to what has already been a wild stretch in the NBA offseason.
Some major trades have already come together involving star players this week, but that doesn't mean the shuffling is over yet. Draft choices often serve as attractive trade chips, and it sounds like the Atlanta Hawks are entirely aware of that.
The Hawks, who are currently scheduled to make three picks, reportedly appear to be "pretty active" in trade talks surrounding their top selection, which is at No. 8 overall.
"Few hours before the draft, Atlanta Hawks a team that sounds pretty active in trade talks at #8, per multiple sources," wrote draft expert Jonathan Wasserman via X.
A trade involving the No. 8 pick could mean just about anything. The Hawks could be looking to trade up, trade back or simply use the pick to acquire some established NBA talent.
Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported last week that the Hawks had shown "no interest" in trading up in the draft from No. 8, but a prior report from The Athletic's Sam Vecenie indicated that both trade-up and trade-down scenarios were in play for Atlanta at No. 8. As such, it's tough to get a strong read on what the team is thinking.
Of course, it's also possible that the Hawks will keep the pick and select a player of their choosing.
For what it's worth, Wasserman has Atlanta selecting University of Arizona guard Brayden Burries in his updated mock draft. Wasserman added this:
"The Atlanta Hawks are said to be active in trade talks if they're unable to secure one of their target point guards," he wrote. "In this case, sources say the Hawks have become the team to watch for Burries if the top seven plays out the way many expect."
Burries, who functioned as a shooting guard at Arizona, had a strong season in his lone collegiate campaign. He averaged 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 49.1 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from beyond the arc. He took home All-Big 12 honors as a result of his play.
It won't be long before fans will get an answer about the Hawks' plans at No. 8. No matter what they do, the team is looking to position itself for success going into the 2026-27 campaign after losing in the first round of the playoffs this past season.
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