Key Highlights
- Trae Young’s future with the Atlanta Hawks is uncertain as they seek a trade before February 5.
- The Washington Wizards and LA Clippers are among the teams considering acquiring Young.
- Young’s skills and limitations make him a valuable asset for rebuilding teams but also raise concerns about defense and consistency.
- A potential deal with the Hawks could involve multiple teams to maximize value and flexibility.
Trae Young: A Trade in Flux
Atlanta’s Trae Young era is set to come to an end, as the Hawks are actively seeking a trade for the star guard before February 5. This move reflects Atlanta’s strategic shift towards empowering their wings and making room for future growth.
The Hawks’ Vision for the Future
With Jalen Johnson and other young wings playing significant roles, the Hawks have embraced a larger and more versatile backcourt setup. Young’s $45 million salary slot is an asset this season, but his potential $49 million salary next summer could be even more valuable if Atlanta decides to keep him past 2026.
The team sees their best chance in the Eastern Conference power structure, aiming for a scenario where both Young and Kristaps Porziņģis’ expiring contracts can be offloaded in the summer of 2026. This would allow them substantial cap space to make impactful additions through free agency or trades.
Potential Trade Destinations
Several teams are currently considering Young’s potential acquisition, each bringing unique value and considerations to the table.
The Washington Wizards: A Rebuilding Opportunity
Washington, with their current 9-25 record, is in a position to rebuild. The addition of Young could significantly enhance their developmental process, especially considering his ability to create off the ball and space the floor. However, this move comes with risks due to Washington’s already weak defense.
The Wizards’ proposed deal would see them receive C.J.
McCollum, Corey Kispert, a 2026 Oklahoma City first-round pick, and two second-round picks in exchange for Young. This trade could provide immediate scoring punch while also setting up the team for future flexibility with a late first-round pick.
The LA Clippers: Staggered Lineups and Future Flexibility
Los Angeles is another potential destination for Young, particularly if they can stagger him with James Harden. The Clippers’ offense would benefit from Young’s ability to operate off the ball and create opportunities for their players. However, this move comes with challenges, primarily in balancing Young’s playtime with Harden’s absence.
A proposed deal would see the Clippers acquire Young, John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanović, and Kobe Brown in exchange for a 2030 lottery-protected first-round pick from the Clippers. This trade could provide immediate depth while setting up Los Angeles for future flexibility as they prepare to make significant moves in 2027.
Rebuilding Teams and Future Considerations
Besides the Wizards and Clippers, rebuilding teams like the Dallas Mavericks are also interested. A potential three-team deal involving Young, Anthony Davis, Dwight Powell, and McCollum could provide flexibility for both parties involved. However, the Hawks would need to carefully consider their options to maximize value while ensuring they retain enough flexibility for future moves.
Ultimately, the trade scenarios highlight the diverse interests in Young’s services, each team bringing unique strengths and challenges to the table. As the NBA draft approaches, these teams will continue to evaluate potential deals that could significantly impact their respective futures.
Conclusion
The trade discussions surrounding Trae Young reflect the ongoing complexities of modern NBA management. While Young’s skills make him an attractive asset for multiple teams, his defensive liabilities and inconsistent play raise concerns. The upcoming February 5 deadline will likely see significant movement as teams seek to align their long-term visions with short-term needs.
