Ahead of what may prove to be a pivotal offseason, Atlanta Hawks star guard Trae Young has already changed teams. Young, a former Klutch Sports client, is now joining Creative Artists Agency.
When I say it, I really mean it..
Another Day, Another Opportunity‼️ pic.twitter.com/9SIBo22Lg3— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) May 7, 2024
A popular talent agency, CAA Sports also represents stars like Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, and D’Angelo Russell among others.
Trae Young Leaves Klutch Sports
Young’s decision to leave Klutch Sports is particularly notable because of the agency’s connection to LeBron James.
Klutch Sports CEO, Rich Paul, has been James’ friend and agent since 2003. Meanwhile, Young is thought to be the Los Angeles Lakers’ “most realistic” offseason trade target. With that in mind, Young’s decision to break away from Klutch Sports puts his desire and willingness to play with the Lakers’ centerpiece in question.
James has played for L.A. since 2018-19. He originally signed a four-year maximum contract. Winning his fourth NBA championship in 2020, he then signed a two-year extension in 2022. That moved the final season of his deal to 2024-25. However, James has a player option on the final season of his contract, which brings the Lakers to their current position.
L.A. has let go of the rope since the 2019-20 season. In the last four years, the Lakers have had three abbreviated playoff runs, losing in the First Round or failing to clinch a postseason berth. The one time that they made it past the First Round, they were swept by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals.
Injuries have been the Lakers’ worst enemy, with even James having trouble staying on the court. Nonetheless, L.A. has also been let down by their ‘third star’ in that time. That said, though there are rumblings that the Lakers are resistant to building their team around a Big 3, many believe that L.A. simply needs to find a better sidekick for James and Anthony Davis.
A Remote Possibility
Young, who averaged 25.7 points and 10.8 assists per game in 2023-24, could be that type of player.
The possibility of Young ending up with the Lakers was always remote. Of course, Young leaving Klutch Sports doesn’t mean he won’t be traded to the Lakers. It just makes it harder to see.
Nonetheless, assuming that the Hawks are willing to move Young, even L.A.’s best package might not move the needle. Atlanta isn’t trying to move backwards, so replacing Young with lesser players or late first-round picks isn’t going to be attractive to them. Yet, that’s all the Lakers would be able to offer.
