The Atlanta Hawks may be preparing for more than simply making their selections on draft night.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, one of the more interesting nuggets of information surrounding the Hawks is that they have explored the possibility of moving up from the No. 23 overall pick.
With less than a week remaining until the 2026 NBA Draft, the report adds another layer of intrigue to an already fascinating offseason. Whether a move ultimately happens remains unclear, but Atlanta is clearly evaluating its options.
The timing of the report is especially noteworthy because it aligns with previous reporting from NBA Insider Jake Fischer. Last week, Fischer reported that the Hawks preferred making only one selection in the first round and were willing to field offers for the No. 23 pick.
Taken together, the reports suggest Atlanta may view No. 23 as more valuable as a trade asset than as a draft selection. That does not guarantee anything will happen, but it certainly reveals how the front office is approaching the draft.
What makes this particularly interesting is that the Hawks are not operating like a rebuilding team. Atlanta just returned to the playoffs as a top-six seed and appears focused on improving the current roster.
Teams in their position often become aggressive when they identify players they believe can accelerate their timeline. The latest intel could be another sign that Atlanta is thinking bigger than simply adding another developmental prospect.
Onsi Saleh has already shown a willingness to be aggressive
One reason Hawks fans should take these reports seriously is because President of Basketball Operations Onsi Saleh has already demonstrated a willingness to make bold draft-night decisions. Last year, Atlanta traded the No. 13 overall pick to the New Orleans Pelicans in a move that ultimately helped the Hawks land a top-eight pick in this year's draft.
At the time, the move carried risk. Now, it looks like one of the more impactful transactions the organization has made in recent years. Saleh's ability to think beyond immediate outcomes has helped position Atlanta with valuable flexibility. That history alone makes it difficult to dismiss the possibility of another creative move this year.
Could Atlanta be targeting a jump into the top five? It is certainly possible. While no reporting has explicitly suggested that scenario, it would be somewhat surprising if the Hawks were only interested in moving up a few spots. Unless there is a specific prospect they love, sacrificing assets for a minimal jump may not provide enough value.
Due diligence or something bigger?
Of course, there is another possibility that deserves consideration. The Hawks could simply be doing what every responsible front office should be doing: gathering information.
Exploring trade possibilities does not necessarily mean a deal is imminent. Teams frequently engage in conversations throughout the draft process to better understand the market and identify potential opportunities.
That is especially true for an organization entering a pivotal offseason. Atlanta has several important roster decisions ahead, including the futures of players like Jonathan Kuminga and Zaccharie Risacher. The front office must evaluate every avenue available for improving the team. Draft-night flexibility is a critical part of that process.
The latest report should not be viewed as confirmation that a trade is coming. Instead, it serves as another reminder that the Hawks are actively exploring ways to strengthen the roster.
Whether that means packaging No. 23 to move up, using it in a separate trade, or keeping the pick entirely remains unknown. What is clear, though, is that Atlanta continues looking for ways to maximize every asset at its disposal.
With the draft rapidly approaching, answers are coming soon. Until then, the Hawks' interest in moving up remains one of the most intriguing storylines worth monitoring.
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