The Atlanta Hawks used their first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to set themselves up for the future, just not in the way that fans had expected heading into the night.
After seeing some surprises in the 12 picks that preceded them, the Hawks decided that they would rather wait a little longer to see how things play out rather than making a pick at No. 13. According to Shams Charania of ESPN.com, Atlanta has agreed to send their lottery pick to the New Orleans Pelicans in a deal that involves multiple draft picks changing hands.
Atlanta Hawks Make Underrated Home Run Trade on NBA Draft Night
Atlanta has traded the rights to the No. 13 pick, former Maryland Terrapins standout Derik Queen, to the Pelicans in exchange for the No. 23 pick in this year's draft as well as unprotected 2026 first round pick, which could very well land in the lottery of what many experts expect to be a better draft.
The Atlanta Hawks are trading the No. 13 pick in the Draft to the New Orleans Pelicans for the No. 23 pick and an unprotected 2026 first round pick (most favorable of New Orleans and Milwaukee), sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 26, 2025
By putting off this selection until next year's draft, and receiving the more favorable of the two picks from either the Pelicans or Milwaukee Bucks, there is a very good chance that this could ultimately land in the top 10, if not higher, next summer.
Given the caliber of prospects who will be eligible to enter the 2026 NBA Draft, headlined by incoming BYU Cougars freshman AJ Dybantsa, this immediately becomes one of Atlanta's best assets, and it has drawn quite the reaction from the sports world. To say this is anything but a massive move for the Hawks is an understatement.
The Pelicans traded for Jordan Poole today and sent away maybe the 2026 No. 1 pick so they could move up 10 slots to No. 13 tonight.
— Mr. Statistician Face Man (@tomhaberstroh) June 26, 2025
LET THAT SINK IN https://t.co/wE5haNUxKT
Nothing is a certainty until the pick is in, no matter the sport. With the type of talent expected to enter the 2026 NBA Draft, though, coupled with New Orleans not looking any closer to contending after tonight and a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade demand in Milwaukee, possible at a moment's notice, the Hawks did a great job of positioning themselves for future success with this move.