Hawks 2026 unprotected first-round pick looking mighty fine

The entire NBA world was stunned on draft night when the Atlanta Hawks somehow convinced the Pelicans to send them an unprotected 2026 first-round pick just to move back about ten spots in the draft. It was instantly labeled by national analysts as one of the worst trades they’d ever seen, given the likelihood of that pick landing near the top of the lottery — and so far, they were spot on.

Through four games, the Pelicans are winless and have lost their last two by more than 30 points. They’re one of only three teams in the league still searching for their first victory, and while there’s plenty of time for things to turn around, the early signs point toward that 2026 pick landing in the top five.

It’s just another reason for Hawks fans to be thrilled about the future. Yes, the team has had some early-season growing pains while integrating several new faces, but that was always going to be part of the process. Atlanta has the makings of a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference, and the possibility of adding a top draft pick next summer — paired with anywhere from $40–90 million in cap space, depending on what happens with Trae Young — sets the stage for a potentially transformative offseason.