The Atlanta Hawks' trade with the New Orleans Pelicans last year always raised eyebrows—and now we finally know the full payout. In a move that sent Derik Queen to New Orleans, the Pelicans gave up the 23rd pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to move up to No. 13 and select the Maryland standout. But here's the kicker: they also tossed in an unprotected 2026 first-round pick to sweeten the deal for Atlanta.

Fast forward to Sunday's lottery, and that Pelicans pick landed at No. 8 overall. So, in simple terms, the Hawks essentially swapped the 13th pick for the 8th pick and the 23rd pick. Not bad for a single trade.

The Pelicans may feel confident about landing Queen, but giving up a top-10 pick in what's shaping up to be a loaded draft class could sting. For Atlanta, this is a golden opportunity to address a key need. With Trae Young's future in flux, the Hawks can now target a point guard from a deep pool of prospects. Names like Kingston Flemings, Darius Acuff, Keaton Wagler, Mikel Brown Jr., and Brayden Burries are all in play at that spot.

And let's not forget—Atlanta already used that No. 23 pick last year to snag Asa Newell, a promising frontcourt addition. The trade was always a head-scratcher from New Orleans' perspective, and it's only looking worse now that the full picture is clear. If the Hawks hit on their No. 8 selection, this deal could go down as a masterclass in asset management.

For now, the Pelicans are betting on Queen's upside. But in the NBA, math doesn't lie—and the numbers here are firmly in Atlanta's favor.