[Stein] The Hawks appear to be the most determined suitor for Anthony Davis. Atlanta is willing to surrender Zaccharie Risacher, since the No. 1 pick has not developed as the Hawks would have hoped to this point. Jalen Johnson and the 2026 unprotected 1st-round pick from New Orleans are untouchables
I am hearing the same: The Hawks are a real-deal suitor for Davis. Just how far, though, are they willing to go in terms of a Davis offer?
Haynes also reported that Trae Young would not be included in such a swap, but that creates potential financial obstacles for a franchise not exactly known for lavish spending.
Davis is owed $58.5 million next season and is likewise known to be eager to secure an extension in August when he becomes eligible for one … whether that’s with the Mavericks or a team that acquires him.
Young, however, holds a $49 million player option for 2026-27. There is a growing belief leaguewide that the Hawks are more open to trading him away than they’ve ever been, but what happens to their payroll if no such trade materializes and Young winds up exercising that option? Can the Hawks dare to find out by trading for Davis this winter without Young exiting at the same time?
Hard to imagine that.
The Hawks nonetheless do appear to be the most determined suitor for Davis at this juncture with just under six weeks to go until the Feb. 5 trade buzzer.
It is also increasingly believed that Atlanta is willing to surrender Zaccharie Risacher in the proverbial right scenario, since the No. 1 overall pick in the draft just 18 months ago has not developed as the Hawks would have hoped to this point. Yet even if the Hawks are prepared to package Risacher with the expiring contracts held by Kristaps Porziņģis and Luke Kennard for Davis, it is unclear how much additional draft compensation they would be willing (or able) to add to the deal to convince the Mavericks part with Davis in-season.
Just to be clear once again: Jalen Johnson and the 2026 unprotected first-round pick that the Hawks acquired from New Orleans to set the Pelicans up to draft Derik Queen are widely presumed to be untouchables from Atlanta’s perspective.