- Trae Young is one of the best scorers and passers in the NBA
- The Atlanta Hawks probably won’t be in championship contention in 2024
- Three shocking trades are available to send Young to rebuilding teams
Trae Young is one of the best offensive players in the NBA, and that is clear when judging his numbers. Not to mention, Young was the player who led the Atlanta Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021. There is no doubt that Trae can score and pass the ball, yet he is always involved in trade rumors that seem to be coming from somewhere. How could a player with two All-Star selections averaging 25.5 points and 9.3 assists per game over his career be on the trading block?
Young is a spectacular offensive player when it comes to getting buckets and creating shots for others, but team success has been faltering as last year the Atlanta Hawks went 41-41 as the 7th seed. Young did his best to carry the Hawks by averaging 26.2 points and 10.2 assists per game last season, but he might be better off competing in a new organization.
Where would Trae Young end up if he is the next star guard to get traded for a culture reset in Atlanta and also to give the All-Star a chance for success somewhere else? There are some teams looking at Trae right now, and if the reports are true that Young could be the next star to be moved, here are the three wild trade ideas for the two-time All-Star that make sense.
Trae Young Can Become A Star In Indiana
The Indiana Pacers are trying to push to improve, but perhaps swapping out Tyrese Haliburton and adding in Buddy Hield for a two-time All-Star Trae Young could get them there. At the same time, Atlanta can get slightly younger and add depth with this shocking trade.
Trade Details
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield
Indiana Pacers Receive: Trae Young
In this intriguing trade proposal, the Atlanta Hawks would receive Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield in exchange for their star point guard, Trae Young. While trading away a player of Young’s caliber may seem surprising, there is a rationale behind it. Tyrese Haliburton is a promising young point guard who showcased exceptional playmaking abilities and defensive prowess during his first All-Star season with the Indiana Pacers.
By acquiring him, the Hawks would secure a talented point guard for the future, complementing their roster with his well-rounded skill set and unselfish style of play. Haliburton is two years younger than Young (23) and averaged 20.7 points and 10.4 assists per game.
A player currently on the block, Buddy Hield is a sharpshooting shooting guard who can provide Atlanta with a consistent scoring threat from beyond the arc. This addition could alleviate some of the scoring burdens that will end up on Haliburton and Dejounte Murray while helping the team maintain its offensive firepower. Furthermore, with Hield’s three-point shooting ability (career 40.2%), he could stretch the floor and create additional space for his teammates, further enhancing the offensive capabilities of the Hawks.
On the other side of the trade, the Indiana Pacers would acquire Trae Young, an electrifying young guard who has proven himself as one of the league’s premier playmakers and scorers. Young’s arrival would transform the Pacers’ backcourt, adding a dynamic element to their offense. He could be the primary ball handler and orchestrator, setting up his teammates and taking on scoring responsibilities with finesse.
This trade would benefit both teams by addressing their respective needs and goals. The Hawks would secure a talented backcourt duo in exchange for their All-Star, while the Pacers would receive a superstar-caliber guard who can elevate their competitiveness and bring an exciting brand of basketball to Indiana. It’s a bold move, but it’s one that, under the right circumstances, could make sense for both organizations and create a win-win scenario in the ever-evolving world of NBA trades.
Major Re-Set In Charlotte In Exchange For LaMelo Ball
Nobody is fearing the Charlotte Hornets as they finished with a putrid 27-55 record and missed the play-in tournament. Perhaps making a change by engaging in a blockbuster swap for Trae Young could re-set the franchise while giving the Hawks a change, as well.
Trade Details
Atlanta Hawks Receive: LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Trae Young
The proposed trade between the Atlanta Hawks and the Charlotte Hornets, involving Trae Young and LaMelo Ball, as well as Terry Rozier, is a fascinating scenario. LaMelo Ball, the 2020-21 Rookie of the Year and 2021-22 All-Star demonstrated immense potential with his playmaking ability, court vision, and flair for the game.
Adding him to the Hawks’ roster would provide them with another young, dynamic point guard, similar to Young, and the potential for a long-term solution at the position. Ball averaged 23.3 points and 8.4 assists per game last season and is only 22 years old.
Terry Rozier, on the other hand, brings scoring and defensive capabilities to the Hawks. His ability to play both guard positions and provide scoring off the bench or alongside Ball could provide Atlanta with added depth and versatility in their backcourt. His presence would complement the strengths of the Hawks’ existing lineup, contributing to a more well-rounded and defensively sound team. Last season, Rozier added 21.1 points per game, which was his career-high.
For the Charlotte Hornets, acquiring Trae Young would be a significant move. Young’s scoring ability, especially from long range, and his creative playmaking would add a new dimension to their offense. His pairing with talented scorers like Gordon Hayward and Miles Bridges (if he returns) could create a potent offensive trio. While Young’s defensive skills might not match his offensive prowess, the Hornets could aim to improve his overall game within their system.
In summary, this trade could work well for both teams. The Hawks would diversify their backcourt and potentially reduce their dependence on Young, while the Hornets would gain a high-caliber playmaker to lead their offense. Ball is certainly a talented player, but he is not on Young’s level right now, as Young looks to be the face of a new franchise. Ultimately, this deal has the potential to benefit both franchises and reshape the dynamics of their respective teams in the competitive NBA landscape.
A Blockbuster Swap With Ja Morant
Ja Morant is a player on everybody’s minds right now because the 2023-24 season has started and we won’t be able to watch the superstar point guard play basketball for the first 25 games. However, Morant probably needs a move out of Memphis, and Atlanta could be a better spot for him in a blockbuster swap.
Trade Details
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Ja Morant
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Trae Young
Ja Morant is not available right now and the Memphis Grizzlies might be done with not having him focused on basketball. The drama surrounding the superstar youngster last season was very distracting and not a good look. It seems the city of Memphis is not a great place for Morant to be, considering his current persona. In order to alleviate the situation in Memphis while also helping the Atlanta Hawks, a straight swap could be feasible.
Acquiring Morant would provide the Hawks with a different style of point guard, one who excels in driving to the basket and creating opportunities for himself and his teammates in transition. His arrival would introduce a dynamic element to Atlanta’s offense and give the team a young, electrifying playmaker.
On the other hand, the Memphis Grizzlies would receive Trae Young, an elite offensive talent and a premier three-point shooter. Young’s exceptional shooting range and playmaking skills would be a tremendous asset to the Grizzlies, especially when paired with their promising young core. His ability to stretch the floor and set up his teammates could elevate Memphis’s offensive capabilities and help in their quest to compete in the Western Conference.
This trade would represent a change in the style of play for both teams. The Hawks would transition from Young’s three-point-heavy game to Morant’s more driving-focused approach, while the Grizzlies would add a long-range specialist to their roster. While it may be a significant adjustment for both organizations, the trade could make sense if it aligns with their long-term strategies and objectives.
In conclusion, this trade proposal involving Trae Young and Ja Morant has the potential to benefit both the Atlanta Hawks and the Memphis Grizzlies. It would provide each team with a unique point guard talent and could change the dynamics of their respective offenses. Young can have a talented squad around with the likes of Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., while Morant gets a fresh start in Atlanta as we change the landscape of both conferences.
