2024 No. 1 Pick Zaccharie Risacher Already Traded Away From Hawks

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft has already been dealt to a new team after just two years in the league.

While this is certainly uncommon, it’s not all that surprising in this case, as the Atlanta Hawks dealt Zaccharie Risacher to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday in a three-team trade that included the Oklahoma City Thunder sending Lu Dort to Atlanta.

Ultimately, while there’s plenty to unpack with where Oklahoma City falls in this equation and the impact of the Thunder losing a premier defender, the biggest storyline is centered around Risacher.

He was never viewed as the typical franchise-altering prospect who generally goes number one overall. He was part of a 2024 draft class that was widely considered weaker at the top, but he’s still struggled early in his career to even emerge as a strong role player.

Risacher finished second in Rookie of the Year voting during his first season, but his production and role declined in year two. He averaged 9.6 points and 3.8 rebounds last season before playing only 23 total minutes during Atlanta’s playoff run.

The Mavericks had reportedly been interested in his services for quite some time, while the Hawks maintained a firm asking price around last season’s trade deadline.

But Dallas ultimately gets Risacher now for a very low price tag.

It’s a buy-low move for the Mavericks, who have the opportunity to try to revitalize his career in Dallas and develop him into a serviceable piece. There’s effectively very little risk for the Mavericks in this deal, outside of his relatively large rookie contract and the upcoming decision on his team option.

This is one of the most fascinating storylines of the NBA offseason because it’s extremely rare for a number one overall pick to be traded after just two years in the league.

But it’s happened now, with Risacher heading to the Mavericks as the Hawks officially turn the page.