At 24-31, there’s no question that the Atlanta Hawks are in need of some help.
However, following the latest stream of rumors, it seems like the Hawks are considering more than a couple of minor moves. In fact, Atlanta appears to be on the verge of a facelift. Reports attempting to read the leaves should be taken with a grain of salt. Nonetheless, one or both of their backcourt stars— Trae Young and Dejounte Murray— may soon be on the move.
Hawks, Spurs Discuss Trae Young Deal
According to The Ringer’s Howard Beck (h/t Legion Hoops), the Atlanta Hawks and San Antonio Spurs have discussed a potential Trae Young trade.
Curiously, Atlanta and San Antonio played before the deadline. Following the contest, Young commented about the Spurs’ inability to maximize Victor Wembanyama‘s potential due to their guard play. Soon after that, rumors surfaced about his willingness to play for San Antonio.
Born in Texas and raised in Oklahoma, landing with the Spurs would be a homecoming for Young. For a player whose career has been mired in controversy, the comfort of home may be particularly appealing.
Of course, the game itself would play a part in Trae entertaining a future in San Antonio. Wembanyama already appears to have Hall of Fame potential early in his NBA career. In fact, Wemby would be the most talented player that Young has had in his young NBA career.
From the Spurs’ point of view, pairing the dynamic Wembanyama with an offensive maestro allows them to build around two of the league’s best players. Despite a slightly unfavorable reputation, Young is in the midst of a historic season.
The sixth-year point guard now has the fifth-most 30-point, 10-assist games in NBA history. He passed Hall of Fame point guard Magic Johnson for the longest streak of 5 or more assists in a game this season. He’s now the Hawks’ all-time leader in 3-point field goals. To add to all of that, the 3-time All-Star has the 12th-highest career scoring average (25.6) and the fifth-highest career assist average (9.5) in NBA history.
What Do the Hawks Get Out of the Deal?
A hard reset could turn out to be the best move for the Atlanta Hawks.
Frankly, the Trae Young Era has been rocky. Indeed, this is one of the reasons that his being traded is even feasible. Furthermore, Young has the highest trade value of any player on the team. If the Hawks wanted to get an extraordinary haul of players and picks, trading Trae allows for that.
To that point, Atlanta trading for San Antonio Spurs wing Devin Vassell won’t cut it. Though the second-best player on the Spurs, Vassell and Young are on two different planets as players.
However, the Spurs currently have the second-worst record in the NBA and 10 first-round picks through the 2027 NBA Draft. Trading Young to the house that Gregg Popovich built could lead to the Hawks amassing a bevy of valuable draft picks. Their NBA draft assets could then be used on multiple top prospects or for a separate blockbuster trade.
Looking down the line, several superstars could find themselves leaving their current organization this offseason:
The Milwaukee Bucks appear to be in a precarious position with Giannis Antetokounmpo, who could ask for a trade if the franchise doesn’t get its act together. Donovan Mitchell‘s future with the Cleveland Cavaliers has long been questioned, and now his fit with Cavs star Darius Garland is as well. Indiana Pacers newcomer Pascal Siakam could agree to a sign-and-trade when his contract expires in the offseason.
In short, there are quite a few possibilities for Atlanta. They just have to be willing to take that chance.
