The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly focused on acquiring the Atlanta Hawks’ unprotected 2026 first-round pick, originally obtained from the New Orleans Pelicans, according to Chris Mannix. The pick, which will go to the worse-performing team between New Orleans and Milwaukee, has become one of the NBA’s most coveted draft assets.
Atlanta secured the selection in a 2025 draft-night trade, sending the No. 13 pick to New Orleans for the No. 23 pick and the unprotected 2026 first-rounder. Early-season struggles by the Pelicans, who started 0-6, have elevated the pick’s potential to a top-five selection.
The Hawks, currently 10th in the Eastern Conference at 17-20, are exploring roster flexibility amid trade talks that include All-Star point guard Trae Young. Young, 27, is in the fourth year of a $215 million deal and is expected to pick up his $48.9 million player option for 2026-27 due to limited trade alternatives.
Dallas, 11th in the Western Conference at 13-23, is weighing options to move Anthony Davis, 32, who is averaging 20.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists over 18 games. Trading Davis could provide cap flexibility while keeping Kyrie Irving as the starting point guard and allowing younger contributors like Cooper Flagg and P.J. Washington to play larger roles.
Discussions have reportedly included sending Davis to Atlanta for pieces including Young, but Dallas has no interest in acquiring the All-Star guard. The Mavericks are instead focused on leveraging the Pelicans’ pick, which Mannix confirms has been a front-office priority for some time.
Financial considerations complicate a Young trade, as moving the Hawks’ star could push Atlanta significantly over the 2026-27 second luxury tax apron. Atlanta’s depth with Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu, Dyson Daniels, Vit Krejci, and Mouhamed Gueye could accommodate Davis’ contract, but excluding Young limits flexibility for major moves.
For the Mavericks, acquiring the pick could accelerate a rebuild or provide leverage in future trades, while Atlanta continues to navigate a season of inconsistent results and roster management. With the Pelicans’ struggles, the lottery-bound selection could prove transformative for any team that acquires it.
