Trae Young’s situation in Atlanta is growing more unstable by the day. Despite leading the league in assists and continuing to put up All-Star-level numbers (24.0 PPG, 11.5 APG), the Hawks have taken a step back, possibly to indicate they are tanking.
Trading away key veterans like De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic before the deadline only fueled speculation that Atlanta might be preparing for a major reset—and Young might not be part of it. Reports have described his future as “murky,” and if the Hawks decide to move on, Young will have no shortage of suitors looking for an elite playmaker to take them to the next level.
With his contract running through 2025-26 ($45,999,660) and a player option for 2026-27 ($48,967,380), Young isn’t necessarily an easy trade piece to move. But his ability to create offense, both for himself and his teammates, makes him an attractive target for teams in need of a game-changing point guard.
If Atlanta decides to hit the reset button, these four teams should be at the front of the line, ready to capitalize on the chance to land one of the league’s best offensive players.
Orlando Magic
Proposed Trade Details
Orlando Magic Receive: Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Isaac, 2025 First-Round Pick (DEN), 2027 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2027 Second-Round Pick (BOS), 2030 Second-Round Pick (MIL)
Orlando has been on the verge of something special, and adding Trae Young could be the move that takes them over the top. The Magic have one of the best young defensive cores in the league, but they still lack a true floor general who can command the offense and elevate their scoring efficiency.
Young, the NBA’s assist leader, would slot in perfectly next to Paolo Banchero (24.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG) and Franz Wagner (24.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG), creating a lethal offensive trio that can pick apart defenses in the half-court and in transition. Orlando already has the NBA’s 1st-ranked defense (106.1 OPPG) but Young’s playmaking could finally balance their attack and push them into contention.
From Atlanta’s perspective, this deal sets them up for a full reset while still returning valuable assets. Jalen Suggs is an elite perimeter defender who has taken a major step forward as a two-way guard this season, while Jonathan Isaac, when healthy, remains one of the most impactful defensive players on the wing.
The draft picks give Atlanta flexibility, and if Suggs continues to develop as a playmaker, he could take over as the Hawks’ point guard of the future alongside Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson. The move wouldn’t make Atlanta better immediately, but it would provide a strong foundation to rebuild around.
This trade makes too much sense for Orlando if they’re serious about winning now. The Eastern Conference is loaded with top-tier talent, and Orlando’s defensive personnel could help mask Young’s biggest weakness. If the Magic want to stop being a team with “potential” and start becoming a legitimate contender, this is the move to make.
Houston Rockets
Proposed Trade Details
Houston Rockets Receive: Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Jabari Smith Jr., Dillon Brooks, Reed Sheppard, 2025 First-Round Pick (HOU), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHX)
The Rockets have been aggressive in their rebuild, spending big in free agency and drafting for both talent and fit. Adding Trae Young would accelerate their timeline even further, giving them one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in the league.
Ime Udoka has built Houston into a top-tier defensive squad, and while Young isn’t known for his defense, his offensive impact would more than makeup for it. Pairing him with Jalen Green (21.1 PPG) and Alperen Sengun (19.2 PPG, 10.3 RPG) would create an offense with unlimited playmaking and shot-creation potential.
This deal would hurt Houston’s depth, but Jabari Smith Jr. has been inconsistent, and Dillon Brooks, while a defensive menace, might not be worth a new long-term contract for a team trying to become a true contender.
Reed Sheppard is an intriguing prospect, but if the Rockets can get a proven All-Star like Young, they’d have to seriously consider it. The addition of Phoenix’s 2027 first-round pick would also give Atlanta another valuable draft asset, which could be used to move up in a future draft or land another foundational piece.
For Houston, this is about star power. The Western Conference is brutally competitive, and while the Rockets have shown flashes of brilliance, they still lack a true leader who can control the game in crunch time.
Young would give them exactly that—a clutch performer who has experience carrying an offense deep into the playoffs. If Houston believes their young core is ready to take the next step, Young could be the player who helps them break through.
Miami Heat
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Duncan Robinson (Sign-and-Trade), Jaime Jaquez Jr., 2025 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA)
If there’s any team that screams “Trae Young fit,” it’s the Miami Heat. Young has spent years tormenting opponents with his relentless offensive skill set, and Miami could use another dynamic scorer and playmaker to complement All-Stars Tyler Herro (23.9 PPG) and Bam Adebayo (17.7 PPG, 10.0 RPG).
Kyle Lowry’s departure has left a hole at point guard over the past few seasons, and while Tyler Herro has filled some of the scoring void, he’s not the primary ball-handler a team like Miami needs. Young would instantly become the team’s offensive engine.
For Atlanta, this deal would be about retooling on the fly. Andrew Wiggins hasn’t been the same player he was during the Warriors’ 2022 title run, but he still provides solid two-way production and could thrive in a bigger offensive role.
Duncan Robinson, acquired in a sign-and-trade, would give Atlanta another elite shooter, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. has already proven to be one of the best young role players in the NBA. The two first-round picks are significant as well—Golden State’s 2025 pick could land in a great spot if the Warriors decline, while Miami’s 2029 pick could be valuable in the post-Butler era.
The Heat have always been a team that thrives with stars who have something to prove, and Young fits that mold perfectly. As good as Herro and Adebayo are, the Heat need more to compete, and Young could fill the All-Star void left by the departed Butler.
Sacramento Kings
Proposed Trade Details
Sacramento Kings Receive: Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks Receive: DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk, Devin Carter, 2025 Second-Round Pick (CHI), 2027 Second-Round Pick
Sacramento has been knocking on the door of the Western Conference elite, but they need one more piece to truly breakthrough. De’Aaron Fox is gone, leaving Domantas Sabonis to figure it out with Zach LaVine and Keegan Murray next to him. However, adding Trae Young would give the Kings an unstoppable offensive core.
Young’s ability to run the pick-and-roll with Sabonis would be a nightmare for defenses, and his deep shooting range would create even more space for LaVine to attack. If Sacramento wants to win now, this move would signal they’re all in.
For Atlanta, this deal provides immediate help and future assets. DeMar DeRozan, acquired in free agency by the Kings, would give the Hawks a steady veteran presence who can still score at a high level.
Malik Monk has blossomed into one of the best sixth men in the NBA, and Devin Carter is a promising young guard with strong defensive instincts. The picks aren’t huge, but they add flexibility for future moves. This package doesn’t offer a direct star replacement for Young, but it gives Atlanta multiple pieces to stay competitive while reshaping its identity.
The Kings have been patient with their rebuild, but at some point, they need to push their chips in. The Western Conference is stacked with elite teams, and while Sacramento has proven they belong in the playoff picture, they still need another elite talent to make a serious run at the playoffs going forward.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.
