The Atlanta Hawks enter the 2026 NBA Draft holding the eighth overall pick, a position that gives them flexibility to explore a trade-up scenario. After moving former All-Star Trae Young to Washington, the Hawks have built a youthful core around Jalen Johnson, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Onyeka Okongwu complementing his skill set. The front office appears ready to add a high-upside big man to solidify the interior, and the most talked-about candidate is Michigan’s 7-foot-3 Spanish center Aday Mara.

Aday Mara has quickly risen on draft boards after a strong season with the Wolverines. His size, standing at 7-foot-3 with a rare combination of length and mobility, makes him an attractive rim protector for a team that still seeks a true interior anchor. The Hawks’ willingness to move up to the No. 5 slot signals a clear belief that Mara could become a cornerstone of their post-play, offering both defensive presence and the potential to develop a passing game from the high post.

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If a trade for Mara does not materialize, the Hawks have a solid alternative in Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg. The former UAB transfer led the Wolverines in scoring with 15.1 points per game and ranked among the top three in several key statistical categories. Lendeborg recently worked out for the Golden State Warriors, and his upcoming workout with Atlanta suggests the Hawks view him as a viable option at their current pick. Mock drafts place him in the early teens, indicating that he could still be available at No. 8 or later in the first round.

Both Mara and Lendeborg would address distinct needs for Atlanta. Mara’s elite size would provide an immediate defensive anchor and a base for building a post-centric offense, while Lendeborg’s versatility, capable of guarding multiple positions and contributing offensively, offers a more flexible forward option. Either player would blend with the existing young core, adding depth and allowing the Hawks to continue their youth-first strategy without sacrificing the need for a reliable big man.

With the draft just weeks away, the Hawks are likely to keep their options open. A successful trade-up to No. 5 would lock in Mara, but if negotiations stall, the team can still capitalize on its scheduled workout with Lendeborg and potentially select him at No. 8. In either case, the decision will shape Atlanta’s roster trajectory for the next several seasons, reinforcing a front office that has already shown a willingness to reshuffle talent in pursuit of long-term success.