Atlanta Sold Neto's Rights for a Later Selection
The Hawks sent the draft rights to Raul Neto to Utah in June 2013, receiving a second-round selection for 2015. Neto was a Brazilian point guard whose path to the NBA would require further development and an eventual contract. Utah was prepared to wait for a potential rotation guard, while Atlanta chose a future pick rather than hold his rights. The trade was about how each team valued an uncertain prospect, not an exchange of established NBA starters.
Neto Eventually Became an NBA Guard in Utah
Neto did not immediately join the Jazz after the rights transaction, but he later played real NBA minutes for Utah as a guard. That receiving-team production deserves acknowledgment despite the inherited lower Jazz grade. His passing and ball-handling offered reserve and occasional starting options, although he never developed into a franchise lead scorer. His later NBA career elsewhere must be treated separately from what Utah received directly from acquiring his rights.
The Atlanta Pick Carried a Later Draft Identity
Atlanta obtained the 2015 second-round asset later associated with No. 41 Pat Connaughton. As with other future selections, the trade trail and eventual holder of the rights are important before attributing the draftee's playing career to the Hawks. Connaughton's later years as an NBA wing cannot simply be transferred onto Atlanta's ledger. The original benefit for the Hawks was a movable future selection that could help complete another transaction or support a new prospect.
The Verdict Rewards Different Types of Value
Utah ultimately produced an NBA contributor from Neto's rights, while Atlanta collected a future pick that acquired a recognizable draft identity. The inherited Hawks Win favors the additional draft flexibility, although the practical return deserves a careful qualification because Neto did appear for the Jazz. Neither side received an immediate star. The correct assessment distinguishes actual Utah guard minutes from draft-rights value held by Atlanta, rather than treating eventual third-team careers as direct results of this two-team deal.
Final Verdict
Hawks Win. Atlanta gets B+ for acquiring the second-round right later associated with No. 41 Pat Connaughton and preserving draft flexibility, without claiming his NBA production. Utah receives C- under the inherited evaluation for Raul Neto's rights, even though he later gave the Jazz actual guard minutes. The grading favors Atlanta's movable pick but requires acknowledging Utah's genuine contributor.