NBA Rumors: Hawks, Draft, Hornets, Cavs, Isaac Okoro

Hawks

The Hawks will have several options to consider with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft — and mostly must first decide whether to keep it.

Reports suggest they could trade down — perhaps with the Spurs for Nos. 4 and 8 — or just make a pick and trade it later. The latter seems unlikely. If the Hawks want to deal the pick, they would likely decide to do it before ever selecting a player, sources said.

“Top options Alex Sarr, Zaccharie Risacher and Donovan Clingan address a range of potential needs across the frontcourt, but each should help to shore up Atlanta’s defense,” wrote Jeremy Woo of ESPN. “If there’s an opportunity to trade back and create value during this important offseason, Atlanta will have to consider it.”

• The Hawks could also consider trading standout guards Trae Young and Dejounte Murray this offseason. Yes, both, as we relayed here. But that scenario seems highly unlikely. One being moved, though, would not be a shocker.

Hornets

Charlotte holds the No. 6 overall pick (along with No. 42) and could move up in a draft that could see its share of wheeling and dealing at the top.

“(LaMelo Ball‘s) size and shooting ability could allow him to pair effectively with a second ball handler, putting names such as Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham in the mix,” Woo wrote. “Charlotte could also target a bigger wing defender such as Stephon Castle, Cody Williams or Ron Holland, depending on who is available. If the Hornets decide to be aggressive, there could be opportunities to move into the top three.”

• That said, one source told Hoops Wire that the Hornets are most likely to just make their picks, and not have to surrender any additional assets, and see how things develop under new coach Charles Lee.

Cavaliers

The Cavs are expecting star guard Donovan Mitchell to sign a max contract offer this summer, but that won’t be the only decision on the docket. They also need to hire a coach and figure out what’s next with restricted free-agent wing Isaac Okoro.

It’s too early to know if Okoro is viewed as a priority, but we will find out in less than a month, when the free agency period begins.

Cleveland could enter the luxury tax for the first time since 2018 if Okoro is re-signed, as ESPN noted.

• The Lakers are believed to be among the teams with an interest in Okoro, as we relayed here.
• Along with all that, the Cavs need to make a pick at No. 20 overall in the June 26 draft. “They have needs across the depth chart, some uncertainty around the roster next season, and their own picks outgoing in the coming years,” Woo wrote. “There’s a more pronounced need for frontcourt help, but Cleveland will likely take a best-available approach, whether that’s drafting a potential immediate contributor or taking a player in need of further development to log meaningful minutes.”