Story perspectives

Hawks Trade for No. 8 Pick, Eye Derik Queen

5/11/2026

Summary

**Hawks Acquire Pick**

The Atlanta Hawks secured the No. 8 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft from New Orleans Pelicans, trading the Pelicans’ 23rd-overall, 2025 first-round and a 2026 first-round pick to select Derik Queen.
The lottery gave the combined pick a 30.18% chance to land at No. 8.
After injuries and trading Trae Young the Hawks posted a 20-6 record, planning to add the pick to a core that includes Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

Summary

**Memphis Gets No. 3**

A lottery redraw gave Memphis the No. 3 pick after Utah’s combination conflicted with its No. 2 slot.
The Chicago Bulls rose five spots to the No. 4 pick after the redraw.
GM Onsi Saleh floated packaging the No. 8 slot in a trade, citing interest from Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Saleh dismissed a blockbuster swap for a star like Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown, favoring draft development.

Summary

**Hawks Pick Creator**

Hawks will pick point-creator No.8 after playoff loss exposed guard issue without McCollum.
CJ McCollum, guard, entered free agency on May 1, saying he loves Atlanta and fits the team.
Mikel Brown Jr., 2025 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year, ended season with a back injury scouts will weigh.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s scoring fell to 13.7 PPG from 20.8 PPG, prompting Hawks to list Brown Jr., Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu as starters.

Summary

**Hawks Trade Leverage**

The Hawks hold a first-round pick in each of the next seven drafts, giving them trade leverage.
GM Onsi Saleh says roster flexibility is a priority, with no pressure to chase an expensive veteran.
Rumors claim Atlanta could package the No. 8 pick and other assets to pursue a star like Giannis Antetokounmpo before the draft.

History

Historical Context

The NBA launched its draft lottery in 1985 to curb tanking, using a seven-envelope draw that gave each non-playoff team a 1-in-7 (?14.3%) chance at the first pick. The New York Knicks won that first lottery and chose Patrick Ewing. In 2024, GM Onsi Saleh leads the Atlanta Hawks, whose lottery odds are about 3% for a top-four pick, reflecting the league’s original random-selection goal.

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**Hawks Acquire Pick**

The Atlanta Hawks secured the No. 8 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft from New Orleans Pelicans, trading the Pelicans’ 23rd-overall, 2025 first-round and a 2026 first-round pick to select Derik Queen.
The lottery gave the combined pick a 30.18% chance to land at No. 8.
After injuries and trading Trae Young the Hawks posted a 20-6 record, planning to add the pick to a core that includes Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

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