Hawks Eye Anthony Davis Trade But Protect Zaccharie Risacher

Merlin sees the Hawks flirting with big moves. Atlanta is reportedly open to trading 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher in the right deal, but they do not view an in-season swing for Anthony Davis as fitting those terms. The Mavericks are willing to move Davis, and any deal "would likely come with his approval," so a last-minute February deadline swap looks complicated. Risacher is only 20 and the Hawks seem keen to let him develop while weighing Dallas’ price and Davis’ injury history. Merlin senses caution more than panic. Atlanta is 17-20 and tempted by star power, yet the club values future upside and assets over a risky quick fix. With reports that Rich Paul might favor Atlanta, talks could heat up into the offseason, but a trade that truly transforms the Hawks is far from assured.