The Atlanta Hawks are at a crossroads. With a 7-11 record, they find themselves 11th in the Eastern Conference, far from the playoff contention they aimed for. The offseason trade of Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans has left Trae Young’s future with the team uncertain. Meanwhile, young talents like Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, and Onyeka Okongwu are eager for more prominent roles. If the Hawks are destined to miss the playoffs again, it might be time to embrace a full rebuild, potentially positioning themselves for a top draft pick, such as Cooper Flagg.
Giving The Lakers The Ultimate Playmaker
Lakers receive: Trae Young
Hawks receive: D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2029 First-Round Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick
The Lakers have been linked to Trae Young on and off over the past few seasons, with rumors heating up during the 2024 offseason. Reports suggested the Lakers had internally discussed acquiring Young as part of their never-ending quest to surround LeBron James and Anthony Davis with a third star. While nothing materialized then, the idea of adding a dynamic playmaker like Trae has always lingered. His elite ability to score and create for others feels like a perfect match for the Lakers’ needs.
For Trae Young, it’s been an up-and-down season with the Hawks, where his future has grown increasingly uncertain. After they traded Dejounte Murray, it became clear that the team might be looking to pivot. With the Hawks struggling to find their identity, a trade for Young could signal a full rebuild. Young is putting up 21.9 points, 11.9 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game this season, showcasing his ability to orchestrate an offense and be a lead guard. Still, the Hawks’ direction and whether Young fits into their long-term plans are murky with a younger core that is ready to blossom.
From the Lakers’ perspective, this trade works because of the assets they can send out. D’Angelo Russell, currently averaging 11.2 points, 5.0 assists, and 2.3 rebounds, is on an expiring $18.6 million deal. He’d give the Hawks a bridge guard while clearing cap space for the future. Gabe Vincent, still under contract for two more years, adds another floor general, though his contributions this season have been underwhelming (3.0 points, 1.7 assists). Jarred Vanderbilt, who hasn’t played yet due to injury, is still young and offers defensive versatility for Atlanta.
The Hawks also receive Jalen Hood-Schifino, a sophomore with some potential, and two valuable first-round picks in 2029 and 2031. For the Hawks, it’s not a bad haul for a star like Young, who has not been really desired in the market, especially if they’re embracing a rebuild. Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu are already asking for more playing time, and moving Young would give them the space to develop. If the Hawks are headed for the lottery anyway, why not tank fully and aim for a future star like Cooper Flagg?
Meanwhile, the Lakers would be all-in on this win-now move. Young’s playmaking would take pressure off LeBron and allow Davis to thrive as a finisher. With this lineup, the Lakers would aim for a deep playoff push, solidifying their championship aspirations as the 4th seed in the West.
The Kings Need Defense
Kings receive: Clint Capela
Hawks receive: Kevin Huerter, Trey Lyles, 2027 First-Round Pick
The Kings are currently 8-10, sitting 11th in the Western Conference. Despite De’Aaron Fox’s incredible stretch, averaging 39 points per game over the last five outings, they’ve dropped four of those contests. The glaring issue? Defense. Without a reliable shot-blocker, the Kings’ defense has been easy to exploit, negating much of the offensive fireworks Fox and company have provided. That’s also the reason why they are signing 3-And-D veteran Jae Crowder to a deal, per Shams Charania.
Enter Clint Capela to the Kings. The big man is averaging 11.1 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks this season, and he’s exactly what the Kings need to shore up their paint defense. Capela’s rebounding dominance and ability to deter shots at the rim could unlock a defensive identity for the team, providing balance to their high-octane offense.
For the Hawks, Capela’s departure marks the end of his run in Atlanta, as his expiring $22.2 million contract makes him a prime trade chip. In return, they bring back Kevin Huerter, who adds valuable shooting and floor-spacing, and Trey Lyles, a versatile forward who can contribute off the bench. The inclusion of a 2027 first-round pick is a significant bonus, giving the Hawks a future asset to work with as they look to retool their roster.
This deal provides the Kings with the defensive help they’ve been sorely missing while giving the Hawks a chance to reset and focus on their younger core. For both sides, it’s a logical move toward their respective goals.
Giving The Pistons Some Spacing
Pistons receive: De’Andre Hunter
Hawks receive: Tim Hardaway Jr., Paul Reed, 2029 Second-Round Pick (via MIL), 2029 Second-Round Pick (via NYK)
The Pistons, currently 8th in the East with an 8-11 record, have made strides this season but still face a major challenge: reliable outside shooting. Their offense lacks consistent floor spacing, which has often led to cramped lanes and inefficiency. Although Ausar Thompson recently returned to action and remains a defensive force, the team still needs offensive help on the wing.
De’Andre Hunter fits the bill perfectly. The 26-year-old forward is averaging 16.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists this season while shooting 34.2% from deep. His ability to hit threes and play solid defense would complement the Pistons’ young core led by Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. Hunter’s multi-year contract gives the Pistons stability as they look to remain competitive while developing their roster.
For the Hawks, this trade brings flexibility and future assets. Tim Hardaway Jr., currently putting up 10.4 points and 1.8 assists on 38.2% shooting from three, provides short-term scoring help and clears $16.1 million in cap space with his expiring deal. Paul Reed, signed through 2026, adds rebounding and energy to the bench rotation. The two 2029 second-round picks offer additional draft capital, aligning with the Hawks’ retooling strategy.
This deal makes sense for both sides. The Pistons add a versatile scorer to their wing rotation, addressing their spacing issues, while the Hawks gain financial flexibility, valuable role players, and future assets to build upon.
LaMelo Ball Would Love A Partner In Crime
Hornets receive: Bogdan Bogdanovic
Hawks receive: Josh Green, Nick Richards, 2027 First-Round Pick
LaMelo Ball is putting up monster performances this season, including a 50-point explosion on the Bucks and a following 44-point performance in a loss to the Magic, but it’s clear he can’t do it all alone. Despite Ball’s heroics, the Hornets sit at 6-11, 12th in the East, and are struggling to gain traction. Still, with a record that keeps them within striking distance of a play-in spot, adding another scorer to take some pressure off Ball could make all the difference.
Enter Bogdan Bogdanovic. The veteran guard is having a down year by his standards, averaging 10.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. But a move to the Hornets’ up-tempo, spacing-heavy system could revitalize his game. Bogdanovic’s shooting and playmaking would fit perfectly alongside Ball, giving the Hornets a much-needed offensive boost to stay competitive in their playoff push.
For the Hawks, this trade is all about the future. Josh Green hasn’t quite lived up to his potential yet, but at just 23 years old, he still has upside, particularly as a defender and athletic wing. Nick Richards, meanwhile, is a serviceable young big who can fill in as a rotation piece, giving the Hawks depth in their frontcourt. The real prize, though, is the 2027 first-round pick, which could turn into a valuable asset as the Hawks continue to retool.
In the end, this trade works for both sides. The Hornets get an experienced scorer to complement Ball, while the Hawks gain flexibility and long-term assets. It’s a deal that helps the Hornets push for the playoffs now while giving the Hawks more tools for their rebuild.
The Complete Fire Sale For The Hawks
Hawks trade: Trae Young, De’Andre Hunter, Clint Capela, Bogdan Bogdanovic
Hawks receive: D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Tim Hardaway Jr., Paul Reed, Kevin Huerter, Trey Lyles, Nick Richards, Josh Green, 2027 First-Round Pick (via CHA), 2027 First-Round Pick (via SAC), 2029 First-Round Pick (via LAL), 2031 First-Round Pick (via LAL), 2029 Second-Round Pick (via MIL), 2029 Second-Round Pick (via NYK)
The Hawks’ decision to move their core players sets this scenario for a complete rebuild centered on young talent and a treasure trove of draft picks. Trading Young, Hunter, Capela, and Bogdanovic would give the team flexibility and assets to build a fresh roster with long-term potential.
The incoming players would bring a mix of youth, depth, and financial flexibility. Promising prospects like Jalen Hood-Schifino and Josh Green could grow into major contributors. Kevin Huerter and Nick Richards should add solid depth, while Jarred Vanderbilt and Paul Reed would bring defensive energy to the rotation if these trades came to reality at some point. Veterans like Tim Hardaway Jr. and D’Angelo Russell could provide short-term value and clear significant cap space with their expiring deals.
The real prize would undoubtedly be the Hawks’ collection of draft picks, which might place them perfectly to target the top-tier talent in future drafts. The 2025 class is especially intriguing, with elite prospects like Cooper Flagg, projected to be a game-changer at the No.1 spot, while Ace Bailey, a versatile and athletic scorer, and Dylan Harper, also a scoring guard and skilled playmaker, are also high on draft boards. These picks, combined with the Hawks’ own potential lottery selections, could land the franchise an all-time cornerstone player to build around.
With four first-round picks already secured and a roster filled with young, developing talent in this setup, the Hawks are in prime position for a promising future. This fire sale gives the team a clean slate and the resources to build a competitive squad capable of contending in the years to come.
