A blockbuster trade proposal has the Atlanta Hawks beginning a massive overhaul by dealing All-Star guard Trae Young to a rebuilding club in the Western Conference.
Young has been widely mentioned in trade rumors for a while now. With the Hawks once again failing to build off a surprise trip to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals, it may only be a better of time until GM Landry Fields opts to trade the franchise star.
At NBA Analysis Network, James Piercey proposed a blockbuster trade that would see Atlanta trading Young to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Doug McDermott, Keldon Johnson, 2025 and 2017 first-round picks plus a swap of 2026 first-round selections:
“They’re getting a solid contributor in Johnson. For that matter, he may have star upside. Meanwhile, the Hawks would still have plenty of talent on their roster following this move.
It might be enough to win. Dejounte Murray would become the full-time point guard. As a floor-spacing wing with shot-creating abilities, Keldon Johnson will be a more fitting co-star for him than Young. This could work.
If it doesn’t? The Hawks are giving themselves the flexibility to pivot. With their own draft capital left, they could give this group a two-year window. If it doesn’t work, then they can tank.”
The Spurs are about to land a new franchise star in Victor Wembanyama, widely considered the best NBA prospect since LeBron James. Barring a stunning development, the Spurs will be taking Wembanyama with the first overall pick in this Thursday’s NBA Draft.
Adding a playmaking guard and elite scorer like Young, coupled with the looming arrival of Wembanyama, would go a long way in helping the Spurs accelerate what has been a frustrating rebuilding period.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
Young, a two-time All-Star, has averaged over 20 points per game in four consecutive seasons. This past season, he averaged 26.2 points, three rebounds and a career-high 10.2 assists per contest.
But for the second straight year, the Hawks were eliminated in the first round of the NBA postseason. They put up an admirable fight against the Boston Celtics, who ousted the Hawks in six games.
