Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young is a rare talent.
Averaging 25.5 points and 9.5 assists per game throughout his career, he’s as productive as he is entertaining. One of the league’s true showmen, Young’s penchant for highlight plays has made him highly popular among hoops fans. Unfortunately for Young, this lionization is largely lost on his peers and coaches.
Indeed, when Young was originally snubbed as an 2024 NBA All-Star selection, it was the player and coach votes that led to him being bypassed as a starter and then as a reserve.
Perhaps it’s as an anonymous Eastern Conference executive says (per Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus):
“It’s difficult to win with a player like Trae. He needs to be the best player on your team, but he’s not at that top-tier level.”
Trae Young ‘On The Move’ This Offseason?
“Many sources around the NBA believe Young will be on the move this summer—assuming Atlanta can find a buyer,” Pincus reports.
Linked to the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs throughout the season, Young likely already has suitors. To that point, Young is rumored to be the Lakers’ top offseason target. The Spurs, wanting a floor general to unlock their Victor Wembanyama-led offense, have already broached the topic of a Young trade.
The Western Conference Contenders
Several other teams need point guard help.
The New Orleans Pelicans and Phoenix Suns don’t even start a traditional point guard. Western Conference contenders with star-studded rosters, acquiring Young could go a long way towards helping them achieve their championship aspirations. With that said, Brandon Ingram is considered to be New Orleans’ most expendable star. Bradley Beal, asked to sacrifice more than any player this season, is Phoenix’s most expendable star.
However, Young’s fit beside CJ McCollum and Devin Booker isn’t ideal.
Defensively, Young’s lack of size and ability could lead to the backcourt surrendering as many points as they put up. At the other end, Young would asked to reel back his shot attempts and become more efficient. In doing so, he’ll ensure the offense flows smoothly. Yet, there’s no evidence that Young would be comfortable in that role.
Franchises In Limbo
The Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz could also look for point guard help this offseason.
Brooklyn’s backcourt has been unstable, as Ben Simmons and Dennis Smith Jr. are injury-prone point guards who don’t make a substantial contribution to the scoreboard. Utah’s backcourt is questionable, as the Jazz are starting two hybrid guards in Collin Sexton and Keyonte George. Compared to either Sexton or George, Young is the better passer and more explosive scorer.
Last but not least, the Milwaukee Bucks can’t be satisfied with the performance of Damian Lillard. A perennial All-Star, Lillard averaged 24.3 points and 7.0 assists per game in 2023-24. However, he shot 42.4 percent from the field and 35.4 percent from 3. Dissatisfied with living in Milwaukee, his future with the Bucks is in serious doubt.
Yet, there’s significant overlap between Lillard and Young in terms of production and style. As a result, he may not be a player they prioritize on the trade market.
