Luka Dončić and the Atlanta Hawks: What Really Happened and Why Atlanta Fans Still Talk About It

If you live in Atlanta, follow the Hawks, or catch NBA games at State Farm Arena, you’ve almost definitely heard the story:
“The Hawks drafted Luka Dončić… and then traded him.”

This moment has become one of the most talked‑about “what if” scenarios in recent NBA and Atlanta sports history. Here’s a clear breakdown of what happened, why it matters to Atlanta basketball fans, and how it shapes the way people in Atlanta think about the Hawks today.

The Night the Hawks Drafted Luka Dončić

On June 21, 2018, during the NBA Draft:

• The Atlanta Hawks selected Luka Dončić with the No. 3 overall pick.
• Almost immediately, the Hawks agreed to trade Dončić’s rights to the Dallas Mavericks.
• In return, Atlanta received:
  • Trae Young, picked at No. 5 by Dallas
  • A future first‑round pick (which later became Cam Reddish, selected at No. 10 in 2019)

So while Luka Dončić never suited up for the Hawks, he was technically drafted by Atlanta, and that’s why you see “Luka Dončić Atlanta Hawks” show up in searches, highlight packages, and NBA draft discussions.

Why Did the Hawks Trade Luka Dončić?

From an Atlanta perspective, the trade was driven by fit, philosophy, and timing.

1. Building Around a Playmaking Guard

The Hawks front office at the time appeared to believe:

• Trae Young could be an elite offensive engine and passer.
• His shooting range fit a style similar to what was popularized by high‑volume three‑point offenses.
• Dončić was viewed as a star talent, but some decision‑makers around the league were split on:
  • His athleticism
  • How quickly he’d adjust to the NBA
  • How his style would translate to certain systems

Atlanta essentially chose a smaller, sharpshooting point guard (Young) over a bigger, do‑everything playmaker (Dončić).

2. The Extra First‑Round Pick

Getting the additional first‑round pick was a major part of the decision:

• That pick later turned into Cam Reddish at No. 10 overall.
• For a rebuilding team like Atlanta at the time, two young core pieces (Young and Reddish) plus flexibility appeared more valuable than just one superstar‑level prospect.

From the front office view, Atlanta wasn’t just trading Luka away; they were betting on a multi‑piece core for the future.

Luka Dončić vs. Trae Young: How Atlanta Fans See It

If you go to a Hawks game in downtown Atlanta or listen to Atlanta sports radio, you’ll hear this debate regularly:

• Did the Hawks make a mistake trading Luka Dončić?
• Was getting Trae Young and another pick still a reasonable move?

On-Court Comparison (Big Picture Only)

Without going into heavy stats, the general perception now:

• Luka Dončić

  • Seen as one of the most dominant offensive players in basketball.
  • Regularly in MVP conversations.
  • Known for his size, scoring, playmaking, and late‑game shot‑making.

• Trae Young

  • Recognized as an elite passer and scorer, especially on offense.
  • Led the Hawks to a deep playoff run, including a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.
  • Has become the face of the franchise in Atlanta.

Both are All-Star level players, but many neutral fans consider Luka the better overall player, which fuels the “what if” conversation among Hawks fans.

How This Trade Shaped the Modern Hawks in Atlanta

A Different Identity for Atlanta Basketball

Because of this trade, the Hawks’ identity in Atlanta developed around:

• Trae Young’s long‑range shooting
• High‑tempo offense
• Spread pick‑and‑rolls

Fans at State Farm Arena are used to seeing:

• Deep three‑pointers from the logo
• High assist numbers
• Heavy guard‑dominant offense

If the Hawks had kept Luka, the style might have looked different—more big guard playmaking, backing down smaller defenders, and a different allocation of touches.

The Playoff Run That Calmed Some Doubts

When the Hawks made their 2021 run to the Eastern Conference Finals, knocking out the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers:

• Many Atlanta fans felt more comfortable with the Trae‑centered direction.
• It showed that the Hawks could win big with Young as the focal point.
• For some, that run softened the sting of watching Luka dominate for Dallas.

Why “Luka Dončić Atlanta Hawks” Still Matters to Atlanta Fans

Even years later, the connection between Luka and the Hawks continues to come up for several reasons important to Atlanta sports culture.

1. A Classic “What If” for Atlanta Sports

Atlanta has had several “what if” storylines across sports, and this is a major one for basketball:

• What if Luka Dončić had stayed in Atlanta?
• Would the Hawks be a title favorite today?
• Would the team’s national profile be different?

These questions are common among fans at sports bars across the metro area—from Buckhead to Midtown to Decatur.

2. A Benchmark for the Front Office

The decision to move Luka and commit to Trae gives Atlanta fans a constant measuring stick:

• Every time Luka has a big game, fans reconsider the trade.
• Every time Trae has a huge night at State Farm Arena or another strong playoff run, supporters feel reassured.

The trade essentially became a long‑term performance comparison between two superstars, watched closely by people who care about the Hawks.

3. How People New to Atlanta Catch Up on Hawks History

If you recently moved to Atlanta or are just starting to follow the Hawks, understanding the Luka trade:

• Helps you decode local conversations about the team.
• Explains why national broadcasters sometimes mention Luka during Hawks games.
• Gives context to why the 2018 NBA Draft is such a big reference point in modern Hawks history.

Watching Luka Dončić Play in Atlanta

Even though Dončić doesn’t play for Atlanta, you can still see him live in the city.

Mavs at Hawks: A Big Night at State Farm Arena

When the Dallas Mavericks come to town:

• The matchup between Trae Young and Luka Dončić is a marquee event.
• Tickets often draw extra interest from Atlanta fans who:
  • Want to see two young stars go head‑to‑head
  • Are curious how the “trade rivals” stack up on the same court

If you’re planning to go:

• The game is held at State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303.
• Parking is available in nearby decks and lots, but many locals prefer:
  • MARTA to Garnett, Five Points, or Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center stations
  • Rideshare drop‑off zones around the arena

For many Atlanta basketball fans, seeing Luka in person at State Farm Arena is a way to experience that alternate reality for one night—what it might have looked like if he had been wearing a Hawks jersey.

Quick Atlanta-Focused Summary: Luka Dončić and the Hawks

Here’s a simple breakdown for Atlanta residents and visitors:

What Atlanta Fans Can Take Away

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta and trying to understand the “Luka Dončić Atlanta Hawks” connection:

• Yes, the Hawks drafted him.
• No, he never played a regular season game for Atlanta.
• The Hawks chose a different path by building around Trae Young and extra assets.
• The debate over that choice has become a key part of modern Hawks history, discussed in homes, sports bars, and upper and lower bowls at State Farm Arena.

Understanding this story helps you make sense of how Atlanta talks about its team, how the national media frames Hawks games, and why the 2018 draft is still such a hot topic in the city’s basketball conversation.