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The Atlanta Hawks' trade last year with the New Orleans Pelicans that allowed Derik Queen to end up with the Pelicans always felt a bit lopsided.
Now, we know exactly how much.
The Pelicans gave up the 23rd pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to move up to 13 and draft Queen out of Maryland -- but the cost of doing that business was adding an unprotected 2026 first-round pick in the deal to Atlanta.
That Pelicans pick slotted in No. 8 in the lottery on Sunday.
So the Hawks basically traded the 13th pick for an 8th pick and 23rd pick.
Clearly, on paper, that's mismatched.
The Pelicans probably feel pretty good about having Queen on their side, but a top-10 pick in this year's loaded draft class might feel even better.
The Hawks will get a chance to draft a point guard from a loaded crop to help replace Trae Young. The likes of Kingston Flemings, Darius Acuff, Keaton Wagler, Mikel Brown Jr. and Brayden Burries will be in the mix at that spot.
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That's not to mention Asa Newell, who the Hawks took in that 23rd pick spot a year ago as a frontcourt addition.
All told, the trade was always a bit odd from New Orleans, and it won't age well if whoever the Hawks get at No. 8 turns out to be a strong player.
The Pelicans made a bold move to get Queen, but the math didn't really add up at the time and certainly doesn't add up now that the trade has its full pick values determined.
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