The Atlanta Hawks have made it clear they are exploring every possible avenue ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft. Reports have linked the organization to both trade-up and trade-down scenarios, suggesting Onsi Saleh is keeping all options on the table.
If Atlanta ultimately decides to make an aggressive move up the board, one team that stands out as a realistic hypothetical trade partner is the Memphis Grizzlies.
To be clear, there is no reporting suggesting discussions between the two teams are taking place. This is simply a hypothetical scenario that could make sense for both sides based on where each franchise currently stands.
A potential framework could involve Atlanta sending the No. 8 overall pick, the No. 23 overall pick, and Zaccharie Risacher to Memphis in exchange for the No. 3 overall pick and Kyle Anderson.
At first glance, that may seem like a significant price to pay. However, the context surrounding both organizations makes the idea more interesting than it initially appears. The Hawks are trying to accelerate their climb towards contention, while Memphis may eventually be forced to think more long-term about its roster construction.
That creates the foundation for a potentially beneficial exchange.
This could appeal to Memphis for interesting reasons
The Grizzlies appear to be approaching a pivotal crossroads. While Ja Morant remains the face of the franchise, questions continue surrounding Memphis’ long-term direction. If the organization eventually commits to a full rebuild, accumulating assets and young talent becomes the priority.
In this hypothetical scenario, Memphis would receive two first-round picks while also taking a chance on Risacher. Despite a disappointing sophomore campaign, Risacher remains a former first-overall pick with intriguing long-term upside. Sometimes, young players simply need a fresh environment and larger role to maximize their potential. Memphis could provide exactly that opportunity.
The No. 8 pick would also give the Grizzlies flexibility if they view this draft as the beginning of a new era. Prospects such as Mikel Brown Jr., Keaton Wagler, Darius Acuff Jr., or Kingston Flemings could potentially be available. Any of them could become foundational pieces moving forward.
Adding the No. 23 pick only increases the appeal. Rebuilding teams often prioritize volume and flexibility, and acquiring multiple first-round selections would provide exactly that. For Memphis, the return would create several avenues for reshaping the roster.
Atlanta has the most reason to be tempted by the possibility
The Hawks’ side of the equation is much easier to understand. Atlanta has already indicated a preference for making only one first-round selection this year. If the organization truly believes it is entering a win-now phase, consolidating assets to move into the top tier of the draft becomes a logical strategy.
The No. 3 pick would place Atlanta in position to potentially select a franchise-changing prospect. Names like Darryn Peterson, A.J. Dybantsa, and Cameron Boozer represent dream scenarios for many Hawks fans. Each player possesses the type of upside capable of dramatically altering the trajectory of a franchise.
More importantly, Atlanta continues searching for a long-term co-star alongside Jalen Johnson. While the Hawks have improved significantly over the last year, they still need another high-end talent to truly enter the Eastern Conference’s upper tier. Landing one of the draft’s elite prospects could help solve that problem.
Ultimately, this remains purely hypothetical. There is no indication the Grizzlies are shopping the No. 3 pick or that Atlanta is actively pursuing this exact framework. Still, if the Hawks are serious about exploring trade-up scenarios, Memphis stands out as one of the more logical teams to monitor.
If Atlanta believes one of the top prospects can become a future superstar, moving aggressively may be exactly the type of swing worth taking.
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