The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly open to trading their 2024 No. 1 overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher, if a compelling offer arises. NBA insider Marc Stein suggests that the Dallas Mavericks may be in a strong position to acquire the 20-year-old wing, and his addition could be pivotal in a larger trade scenario involving Anthony Davis.
Acquiring Risacher would not merely be a separate transaction for the Mavericks but could serve as a key component in a trade with the Hawks aimed at bringing Davis to Atlanta. Mavericks fans have begun dreaming of a future that includes both Risacher and fellow prospect Cooper Flagg as their young wings, which is now potentially more realistic than it seemed before.
Recent reports indicate that Risacher is likely to be included in any trade negotiations focused on Davis moving to Atlanta. As the trade deadline approaches, dialogue between the Mavericks and Hawks has intensified, marking a significant development in the pursuit of Davis, who has garnered interest from several teams.
While the Mavericks are not looking to acquire Trae Young in any deal with Atlanta, they are instead focusing on assembling expiring contracts that can offer future payroll flexibility along with young assets and draft picks. Potential candidates for such trades include Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kennard. However, first-round draft picks, combined with Risacher, could enhance the value of any potential trade significantly.
Despite a slow start to his season—averaging 10.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game with shooting metrics of 45.5 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc—Risacher’s potential remains promising. He earned second place in last season’s Rookie of the Year voting, narrowly missing out to the talented Stephon Castle. A shift to Dallas could provide him the environment to refine his skills, especially as the Mavericks might not be pushing for a playoff spot and could allow him to develop alongside their other young talents.
Risacher’s strengths lie in his perimeter defense, scoring, and ability as an off-ball cutter. If he can enhance his shooting consistency, particularly from three-point range—a crucial element where he has struggled—he could evolve into a capable starter in today’s NBA. This summer will be a significant opportunity for him to work on his jump shot alongside Flagg, ensuring they both can return stronger next season.
Although Risacher may not be as offensively dynamic as Flagg, he has already demonstrated his scoring ability in various games, including several where he exceeded 30 points. The Mavericks have a chance to capitalize on his potential before it becomes more widely recognized.
As rumors swirl regarding Risacher’s future and the possibility of Anthony Davis donning a Hawks jersey, the Mavericks are positioned as a likely destination for the promising forward. Acquiring a former No. 1 overall pick like Risacher could be instrumental in their efforts to build a new foundation around Flagg and usher in a fresh era of Mavericks basketball.