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NBA Draft 2018: Atlanta Hawks reportedly execute trade with Dallas Mavericks, move from No. 3 to No. 5

Trading down was the decision.

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament-First Round Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

For quite some time, one of the realistic scenarios on the table for the Atlanta Hawks was a trade that would move the team down from the No. 3 overall selection in order to acquire multiple assets. On Thursday evening, that theoretical exercise came to fruition, with the Hawks partnering with the Dallas Mavericks on a deal that would send the No. 3 pick to Dallas in exchange for the No. 5 pick and a future first round draft choice.

Later, word surfaced that the 2019 first round draft pick will be top-five protected, indicating that the choice will convey if the Mavericks land between 6 and 30 in the 2019 NBA Draft.

With Deandre Ayton and Marvin Bagley III off the board, the Hawks had the chance to select Slovenian playmaker Luka Doncic but, in executing this particular transaction, Atlanta chooses to ere on the side of additional assets and a chance to select Young with the No. 5 pick.

This is certainly a gamble from Travis Schlenk, as Young is a player with a sky-high ceiling on the offensive end with significant downside risk based on size, physicality and defensive concerns.

Stay tuned as more details, including pick protections, become available.