Hawks again find favorable return in trade with Pelicans

But let's look a little deeper.  

Given the Pelicans’ murky future in a stacked Western Conference, that 2026 pick could be top-five in a draft class many scouts are already calling loaded.

Atlanta slid back 10 spots and still landed athletic F/C Asa Newell, the 6-foot-10 forward out of Georgia. Not only is Newell a high-upside athlete with fluidity, defense and shooting upside, but he’s a local product. 

This isn’t the first time Atlanta has taken advantage of New Orleans. In 2024, the Hawks pulled off a blockbuster trade that sent All-Star Dejounte Murray to New Orleans for Larry Nance Jr., Dyson Daniels, a 2025 first-round pick (via Lakers) and a 2027 first-round pick (least favorable of Bucks-Pels). 

Dyson was a revelation for the Hawks in 2024-25. He led the league in steals while making first team All-Defense and winning Most Improved Player.

Now the Hawks have a potential 2026 lottery ticket, a rising young core and a front office that’s building strategically.

Let’s talk core: Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher (2024 No. 1 overall pick), Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu, Kristaps Porzingis (acquired in a three-team deal) and now Newell. That’s a mix of high-level youth, size, switchability and upside. More defense and more lobs for Trae Young. And with the Eastern Conference wide open with Boston and a few others down and possibly out of the contention picture next season, Atlanta might not be that far off.

Keep an eye on the Hawks — they’re cooking something.