The NBA season has concluded, but the league is already buzzing about the upcoming draft, which is just a few days away. Atlanta enters the offseason with two first-round picks, including the No. 8 overall selection, and ample cap space. The Hawks’ young core, Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, provides a solid foundation, yet the interior has long been a glaring weakness that the front office is eager to address.

Atlanta’s front office has repeatedly emphasized the need for a defensive anchor who can protect the rim and improve rebounding efficiency. Adding a proven center would complement the perimeter shooting of Daniels and the playmaking potential of Johnson, while allowing Okongwu and Alexander-Walker to develop without being overburdened in the paint. The franchise’s flexibility makes it a likely destination for a player who can immediately elevate their interior defense.

The Brooklyn Nets, meanwhile, sit on a valuable draft slot and enjoy considerable payroll flexibility after a disappointing season. Their roster construction suggests a desire to pair a dynamic point guard with the emerging talent already on the roster. De’Aaron Fox, whose contract is set to increase dramatically next season, represents a high-upside option for Brooklyn if they are willing to absorb his salary and the associated cap hit. The Nets’ lack of a future draft pick further amplifies their openness to acquiring established talent in exchange for future assets.

San Antonio, fresh off a finals run that ended in a five-game loss to the New York Knicks, now faces a roster decision regarding Fox. The Spurs have a deep pool of young talent, but the looming “massive” contract for Fox could force them to consider moving the former Kings star. The emergence of Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle provides the Spurs with plausible alternatives at point guard, making Fox’s departure a strategic possibility.

A three-team scenario that pits the Hawks, Nets and Spurs against each other is plausible in this environment. The Hawks could receive a defensive center in exchange for draft assets, the Nets could acquire Fox’s talent and a versatile wing, and the Spurs could offload Fox’s contract while recouping draft capital. Such a deal would require careful cap calculations and a willingness from each club to sacrifice a piece of their future for immediate improvement. With the trade deadline looming and the draft approaching at the end of June, the next few weeks will be critical in shaping the direction each franchise takes for the upcoming season.