Hawks GM Doesn't Plan to Trade No. 1 Pick in 2024 NBA Draft Amid Sarr, Clingan Rumors

Atlanta Hawks general manager Landry Fields said he doesn't plan to trade the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA draft amid rumors around UConn star Donovan Clingan.

"I think we're really excited by the draft," Fields said Monday, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN). "And the more that we uncover, like, we go, great, I'm glad we have No. 1. I keep joking around like I'm not giving it back. So, I think we're in a really good position here. I'm excited about it, frankly."

The Hawks recently were reported to have discussed trading down from the top pick, but it seems Fields now has his sights set on holding onto the team's pick. Atlanta is also reportedly considering taking Clingan with the top pick over other stars like Alex Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher.

The Hawks were awarded the top pick after the NBA draft lottery despite having just 3 percent odds of getting it. Atlanta finished 36-46 this season as star point guard Trae Young was limited to just 54 games.

Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman projected the Hawks to draft French star Risacher with the first pick in his most recent NBA mock draft. Risacher, a 6'8" forward, could be a strong pairing for Young.

Sarr and Clingan could be solid options as well, though, if the Hawks decide to get a big man with their top pick. Sarr stands at 7'0" while Clingan is 7'2", making both prospects potential candidates to be on the other end of pick-and-rolls with Young.

Whichever direction the Hawks go, they're looking for someone who can make a difference immediately. Atlanta has reached the playoffs three times in the past four years, making it all the way to the conference finals in 2021.

The progress the Hawks have made in recent years grew stagnant last season as they missed the playoffs, but the right piece in the draft could lead to more growth in the coming seasons.