SAN ANTONIO — There's been plenty of chatter surrounding the San Antonio Spurs trading up to the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft owned by the Hawks.
RELATED: Rumor Mill: Spurs possibly exploring packaging first-round picks for Hawks' No. 1 overall pick
However, Hawks General Manager Landry Fields shut down any speculation that the team is willing to trade the top pick.
During a press conference with Atlanta media, Fields said the team has looked over many scenarios, including trading out of the top pick, but maintains Atlanta will make the overall No. 1 pick.
"Where we are right now, we'll pick [No. 1] one," he said.
Fields did leave the door open to the possibility of trading the pick, but ultimately, Atlanta appears to be holding on to it.
"I don't think it will be wise for us to not go over those scenarios," he said. "Today, we're planning on picking [No.] 1."
San Antonio is in its rebuilding phase, and moving to trade for Atlanta's No. 1 pick would make sense if the team is looking to speed up the rebuild.
A move for the No. 1 pick could be used to pair Wembanyama with a projected No. 1 pick, fellow countryman French forward Zaccharie Risacher. Or it could be a sign the team may want another French big man, Alex Sarr.
Recently, forward Jeremy Sochan discussed the rebuild and said the team is discussing it and exercising patience.
"We always talk about it [rebuilding] in the organization. From coaches to players to the front office, it's all about staying level-headed," Sochan said. We're not trying to rush it. We're staying patient."
As stated above, Fields did not completely shut the door on trading their No. 1 pick, and with the assets San Antonio owns from first and second-round picks to players on the roster, it is an open question if the team will make the Hawks an offer they cannot turn down.