The Atlanta Hawks committed highway robbery this season, stealing a New Orleans Pelicans 2026 first round pick that has been dubbed the "best pick that has ever been traded.” Now that Giannis Antetokounmpo has formally requested a trade, the draft asset is even better than expected.
The pick itself is a swap between the Pelicans and Bucks – a relic of the Jrue Holiday trade that helped Milwaukee win its first title in 50 years. Entering the season, the Pelicans were clearly the team most likely to land a top pick, and they currently hold the best lottery odds with a depressing 3-20 record.