This has not been the season Atlanta Hawks fans envisioned. Because of a slower start than fans hoped for, a big-time trade potentially looms. That trade, however, doesn't seem like it will involve either Jalen Johnson or the unprotected first-round pick the Hawks are owed from the New Orleans Pelicans in 2026. Phew!
NBA insider Marc Stein didn't mince words when talking about Johnson and the pick, which are potentially the Hawks' best tangible and hypothetical assets right now:
"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.