B/R Proposes Massive Deal That Sends Trae Young to the Lakers
Until the summer is over and the next season actually begins, there is going to be Trae Young trade speculation. Ever since the Hawks decided to stand pat at the trade deadline, there has been an eye towards the summer, the next opportunity for the team to make moves. Atlanta is currently in 10th place in the Eastern Conference and even if they get in and find a way into the playoffs, they would face the Boston Celtics, which will result in a quick trip home. This is going to be a crucial summer for the Hawks and another opportunity for the team to build around Young, their franchise star.
Or if you believe rival executives and other teams, it will be a chance for the Hawks to trade Young and start a rebuild.
While I don't think the Hawks will deal Young unless he forces himself out, that has not stopped anyone from speculating on what a Hawks trade package would look like in any deal that involves Young. A recent proposal from Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz has them sending Young to the Los Angeles Lakers for a massive haul of picks and contracts.
Here is what Swartz proposed for the two teams:
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: PG Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G Austin Reaves, F Rui Hachimura, PG Gabe Vincent, SG Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025, 2029 and 2031 first-round picks (unprotected)
"The Lakers choosing to hold on to their 2029 first-round pick at the deadline now gives them the opportunity to go star chasing this summer.
Young could become available given the direction of the Hawks and with his free agency just two years away. It wouldn't be the first time Rich Paul and Klutch pushed a client to the Lakers, either.
Los Angeles can't rely on LeBron James' scoring forever, as the Lakers rank only 18th this season in offensive rating (114.5). Putting Young in the starting lineup with James, a premier defender in Anthony Davis and some shooters would make this one of the best opening fives in the NBA. If the New Orleans Pelicans choose to take the Lakers' first-rounder in this draft (currently projected at No. 13 overall), then Los Angeles would be able to part with its selections in 2025, 2029 and 2031.
Getting three unprotected first-round picks for Young is a nice start for the Hawks, the same number the Utah Jazz received from the Cleveland Cavaliers for Donovan Mitchell. Reaves (15.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists) would be an immediate starter next to Dejounte Murray, and Hachimura (12.0 points, 41.4 percent from three) would compete for a starting job as well.
Vincent is a solid role player, and Hood-Schifino, 20, rounds out a good overall return for Young."
Hawks guard Trae Young vs the Bulls
Earlier this week, former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins talked about how he wanted to see Young in a different uniform, but he suggested another team not named the Lakers:
"I hope not. I hope this is the last time we see him in a Hawks uniform. I feel like his talent is being wasted, his prime is being wasted. Get healthy, get 100% correct whether that is in Atlanta or you know, fingers crossed, the San Antonio Spurs"
Rachel Nichols and Cousins talked about the idea of Young being traded to the Spurs and pairing up with budding superstar Victor Wembanyama:
"It's a match made in heaven, it just makes sense. This Hawks team is not doing anything for his talent. I take it personal because I was in that situation once and hopefully this offseason, this is the season where he puts his foot down and uses his power and move to a situation that is going to be healthy for him."
There has been speculation from rival executives and people outside of Atlanta, but remember, none of this trade talk is coming from Young or the Hawks.
