The Atlanta Hawks are flirting dangerously close to a full-on teardown, and Trae Young’s patience has to be wearing thin. Shipping out De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic at the deadline didn’t exactly scream “We’re trying to win now.” Sure, Dyson Daniels has been a revelation as the NBA’s steals leader, but even he can’t mask the fact that this roster needs a serious overhaul if it’s going to keep Trae Young happy – and in Atlanta.
Trae’s been the face of the franchise since he set foot in the league, but the whispers of him wanting out are getting louder with every loss. The Hawks have two options: either lean all the way into a rebuild and risk losing their superstar or make aggressive moves to build a contender around him ASAP.
If the Hawks want to convince Young to stick around, they’ll need to get creative on the trade market. Here are five trade ideas that could help turn things around in Atlanta and keep Ice Trae from exploring the exit door.
1. Zion Williamson
Potential Trade Detail
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Onyeka Okongwu, Terance Mann, Georges Niang, 2029 First-Round Pick (ATL), 2030 First-Round Pick (ATL)
When healthy—and that’s a massive “when”—Zion Williamson is an unstoppable force, averaging 24.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists on 57.3% shooting this season. His ability to bulldoze through defenses and command double-teams would take a ton of pressure off Trae Young, giving the Hawks a lethal inside-out combo.
The issue, of course, is Zion’s health. He’s missed significant time again this season, playing only 24 games, raising legitimate concerns about whether he can ever stay on the court long enough to justify giving up multiple first-round picks and young talent.
From the Pelicans‘ perspective, this package isn’t bad at all. Onyeka Okongwu is a defensive-minded center who’s flashed enough upside to be a starter, and Terance Mann is a do-it-all glue guy with playoff experience. Throw in Georges Niang’s shooting and a couple of future first-rounders, and New Orleans gets a mix of assets that could help them rebuild.
For the Hawks, the gamble is clear: if Zion can stay healthy, they’re a threat in the East. If not, this could be an anchor contract that sinks them deeper into mediocrity. Still, the thought of Zion catching lobs from Trae is too tempting to ignore.
2. Domantas Sabonis
Potential Trade Details
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Domantas Sabonis
Sacramento Kings Receive: Clint Capela (Sign-and-Trade), Zaccharie Risacher, Georges Niang, 2029 First-Round Pick (ATL), 2030 First-Round Pick (ATL)
Domantas Sabonis might not be the flashiest name, but his fit with Trae Young is almost perfect. Averaging 19.5 points, 14.1 rebounds, and 6.2 assists this season, Sabonis’ passing and versatility would open up the Hawks’ offense in a way that Clint Capela simply can’t.
Sabonis is lethal in the high post, capable of facilitating dribble hand-offs or punishing mismatches down low. Pairing him with Trae’s shooting and playmaking could transform Atlanta’s offense into one of the most dynamic in the league.
For the Kings, moving Sabonis isn’t ideal, but getting back Clint Capela in a sign-and-trade isn’t terrible, either. Capela’s rim protection would help the Kings‘ shaky defense, and Zaccharie Risacher is an intriguing prospect who could blossom into a valuable wing.
This move isn’t as risky as swinging for Zion, but it addresses multiple needs: rebounding, interior scoring, and, most importantly, another playmaker to pair with Young. Sabonis might not be a top-10 player, but his skill set is a seamless fit next to Trae.
3. Lauri Markkanen
Potential Trade Details
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz Receive: Onyeka Okongwu, Zaccharie Risacher, Terance Mann, 2029 First-Round Pick (ATL)
Lauri Markkanen’s breakout has been one of the surprises of the season, with the 7-footer putting up 19.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game while shooting a scorching 42.5% from the field. Even though Markkanen is having a down year compared to last season, the idea of adding that kind of shooting and floor spacing to a Hawks team built around Trae Young is almost unfair.
Markkanen’s ability to stretch the floor would open driving lanes for Trae and Dyson Daniels, giving Atlanta a pick-and-pop threat they’ve been sorely lacking. It’s an offensive upgrade that could immediately boost the Hawks’ ceiling in the East.
For the Utah Jazz, this trade brings back a solid package headlined by Onyeka Okongwu, who fits their timeline alongside Walker Kessler and Keyonte George. Zaccharie Risacher adds some wing depth, and Terance Mann is a proven contributor who can fill multiple roles.
The 2029 first-rounder might not seem like much now, but if things go south in Atlanta, that pick could become extremely valuable. Utah’s front office has shown a willingness to cash in veterans for future assets, and this deal aligns with that strategy.
For Atlanta, this is a no-brainer if the Jazz are willing. Markkanen’s shooting and scoring versatility fit perfectly alongside Trae, and his ability to guard multiple positions gives Quin Snyder more flexibility in lineups.
4. Myles Turner
Potential Trade Details
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Myles Turner (Sign-and-Trade)
Indiana Pacers Receive: Onyeka Okongwu, Terance Mann, 2030 First-Round Pick (ATL)
Myles Turner isn’t the star name that’ll have Hawks fans racing to the ticket office, but he’s exactly the kind of defensive anchor Atlanta needs. Turner’s putting up 14.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and a league-leading 2.8 blocks per game this season, and his ability to stretch the floor (shooting 37% from three) makes him a perfect fit next to Trae Young.
Turner’s rim protection alone would transform a Hawks defense that’s been a turnstile all year. For the Pacers, getting Onyeka Okongwu back makes this deal interesting. Okongwu is younger, cheaper, and has shown flashes of being a switchable defender who can protect the rim.
Terance Mann’s inclusion feels like a throw-in, but his toughness and playoff experience can’t be overlooked. The 2030 first-round pick gives Indiana some additional long-term flexibility, which is always a plus for a team that’s stuck in the middle.
If this deal goes through, the Hawks get a floor-spacing rim protector who doesn’t need the ball to make an impact, letting Trae do what he does best—run the show. Turner’s age and contract are reasonable, making this one of the safer options on the table.
It might not be the blockbuster trade that shifts the balance of power in the East, but it’s a smart move that could keep Young satisfied for at least another season or two.
5. RJ Barrett
Potential Trade Details
Atlanta Hawks Receive: RJ Barrett
Toronto Raptors Receive: Caris LeVert (Sign-and-Trade), Terance Mann, 2029 First-Round Pick (ATL), 2030 First-Round Pick (ATL)
Trading for RJ Barrett feels like a swing-for-the-fences move for Atlanta. Barrett’s numbers this season—18.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game—don’t jump off the page, but his two-way potential and ability to create his own shot could be exactly what the Hawks need next to Trae Young.
Barrett’s not a sniper from deep (33% this season), but he’s a capable scorer who can alleviate some of the offensive burden on Young. His defensive versatility would also be a major upgrade on the wing for Atlanta.
For the Raptors, this is about resetting the timeline and gaining flexibility. Caris LeVert’s expiring contract gives them some cap relief, and Terance Mann is the kind of role player who can thrive in Nick Nurse’s defensive schemes.
The two first-round picks offer additional ammo for the Raptors’ ongoing retool. Toronto’s stuck in the middle right now, and moving Barrett for a package like this might help them pivot more decisively.
For the Hawks, Barrett is a gamble on potential and fit. His inefficiency and streaky shooting are real concerns, but if Atlanta believes he can thrive as a second option, this trade could be a game-changer. Adding a wing with size and defensive upside might be the move that finally convinces Trae that the Hawks are committed to winning.
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