Sacramento’s cost-cutting spree sent consistent veterans and rising lottery picks packing. Now, these former stars return to haunt a rebuilding franchise still searching for its championship identity.

The Atlanta Hawks still have to make a couple of moves to get their roster down to the regular season limit of 15, but their work has largely been done this off

Here are the 20 biggest NBA Draft busts since 2020, ranked from disappointing lottery picks to selections that became complete franchise mistakes.

The Hawks added Devin Carter and a 2033 second-round pick from the Kings for the draft rights to Alpha Kaba. Grading a near-free flyer on a 2024 lottery pick.

Jaylen Brown and the Boston Celtics were able to exceed expectations during the 2025-26 NBA regular season. Brown led Boston to a 56-26 record, good enough for the No. 1 seed in the Atlantic Division and the No. 2 overall seed in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics were upset early in the 2026 NBA playoffs after falling to Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round.

Sacramento offloads the former lottery pick to gain critical financial flexibility, clearing a path below the luxury tax threshold while Atlanta bets on the guard’s scoring flashes.

The Hawks were able to acquire Devin Carter and a second-round pick from the Kings a day before free agency opens.

The Hawks acquired Devin Carter from the Kings as Atlanta continues rebuilding its backcourt ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The Hawks are staying active on the trade market.