NBA Trades: This Cavs-Hawks-Spurs-Pelicans draft night swap would be a game-changer
By Cal Durrett
Cavs Get: CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, 21st pick, and 2025 first (via Lakers), 2025 second (via Spurs from Indiana or Miami), 2025 second (via Hawks from Wolves)
Spurs Get: 1st overall pick (Zacharrie Risasher), Dejounte Murray
Pelicans Get: Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, 2025 second (via Spurs from Pelicans)
Hawks Get: 4th pick (Donovan Clingan), 8th pick, rights to Hawks 2026 pick back, E.J Liddell, and Devonte Graham
The potential blockbuster would see the Hawks trade Murray and the first pick to the Spurs in exchange for the fourth and eighth picks, the rights to Atlanta's 2026 first back, and Devonte Graham. Additionally, the Cavs would receive the 21st pick, 2025 first from the Lakers, CJ McCollum, and Brandon Ingram, from the Pelicans for Darius Garland, and Jarret Allen, and a second-round pick from the Spurs and Hawks. The Spurs would also send the Pelicans their 2025 second back and the Hawks would also receive a second from New Orleans.
The deal is a lot to process but Atlanta would get the player they seemingly want (Donovan Clingan) by acquiring the fourth pick as well as the 8th, a 2026 first, in addition to significant savings. It would allow them to quickly remake their roster and get younger while possibly leading to more moves this summer.
The Spurs would likely use the first pick to select Zacharrie Risacher and he and Murray would round out their starting lineup around star Victor Wembanyama. As for the Cavs, they would move on from Allen and Garland by adding McCollum and Ingram, plus two firsts, and two seconds.
Lastly, New Orleans would upgrade their frontcourt and backcourt by landing Allen and Garland. With all four teams looking to make a splash this summer, would they each agree to the proposed deal? Next, we'll see if the Hawks would agree to the deal.