As the 2023-24 NBA season unfolds, the Atlanta Hawks find themselves in a challenging position, sitting at the 10th spot in the Eastern Conference. With realistic championship aspirations seemingly out of reach this season, speculation is rife that the Hawks may shake things up with some strategic roster moves. At the center of these trade discussions is Trae Young, the electrifying point guard who has been putting up stellar performances throughout the season.
While Trae Young has been instrumental in leading the Hawks, it’s becoming apparent that a reevaluation of the roster might be in order to elevate the team’s competitiveness in the long term. Despite Young’s remarkable season, the prevailing sentiment is that the only justifiable reason to trade the young star would be for a substantial package of draft picks or another franchise-altering superstar.
1. A Trade Between Lakers And Hawks
Trade Details
Lakers Receive: Trae Young
Hawks Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, 2028 First-Round Pick Swap, 2029 First-Round Pick
The Atlanta Hawks, currently grappling with a 10th-place standing in the Eastern Conference with a record of 18-26, face the dilemma of whether to reshape their roster without entirely dismantling their team. While Trae Young stands as the franchise player, the Hawks are not looking to undergo a complete rebuild. The notion of potentially moving Dejounte Murray has been in the air, with the Los Angeles Lakers emerging as a potential suitor before the trade deadline. However, the Hawks remain hesitant to part ways with Young unless a significant return is on the table.
Trae Young has been the driving force for the Hawks this season, showcasing his elite skills with an impressive stat line of 26.9 points, 10.8 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in 39 games. On the other hand, D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Gabe Vincent, while solid contributors, may not collectively compensate for the loss of Young’s impact.
In evaluating this proposed trade, the Hawks would receive a package that includes D’Angelo Russell, currently averaging 16.9 points, 6.2 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in 42 games this season, along with the promising Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent. The draft picks, including a 2028 first-round pick swap and a 2029 first-round pick, add an element of future assets.
However, considering Trae Young’s pivotal role and outstanding performance, the trade falls short of providing the Hawks with a comparable franchise player or an overwhelming package of draft picks akin to what Utah received for Rudy Gobert (five first-round picks). In the grand scheme, this proposed deal may not be the transformative move the Hawks need to elevate their status in the Eastern Conference.
Deal or No Deal: NO DEAL
2. The Miami Heat Go All-In For Young
Trade Details
Heat Receive: Trae Young
Hawks Receive: Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, 2027 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick
Miami, having reached the 2023 Finals, is determined to make another championship run this season. Currently positioned at the 7th spot in the Eastern Conference with a 24-21 record, the Heat recently bolstered their roster by acquiring Terry Rozier in exchange for Kyle Lowry. Eager to further strengthen their lineup, they are willing to part ways with a significant portion of their core to secure Atlanta’s dynamic point guard.
In this proposed blockbuster trade, Miami would acquire Trae Young, forming a formidable Big 3 alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, with Terry Rozier providing a scoring punch off the bench. This move has the potential to make the Heat the dominant force in the Eastern Conference heading into the playoffs.
For Atlanta, the key consideration revolves around its future strategy. Acquiring Tyler Herro, who is currently averaging an impressive 21.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 26 games this season, adds a young and dynamic talent to their roster. The inclusion of Duncan Robinson, along with 2027 and 2029 first-round picks, provides the Hawks with valuable assets for both the present and future.
This trade could set the stage for the Hawks to build a young, playoff-tested team. With Herro and Reaves forming the backcourt of the future and promising talents like De’Andre Hunter and Onyeka Okongwu in the frontcourt, Atlanta would have a foundation for sustained success. The success of this move for the Hawks, however, hinges on their ability to acquire a young, potential All-Star when dealing Dejounte Murray, making this a potentially transformative deal.
Deal or No Deal: DEAL
3. The Spurs Pair Up Young And Wembanyama
Trade Details
Spurs Receive: Trae Young
Hawks Receive: Jeremy Sochan, Tre Jones, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick, 2025 Second-Round Pick (via Pelicans), 2026 Second-Round Pick
In this proposed trade scenario, the San Antonio Spurs aim to create a dynamic duo by acquiring Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks. This move suggests a strategic pairing of Young with emerging prospect Victor Wembanyama, signaling the Spurs’ ambition to build a potent combination for the future.
However, for Atlanta, this trade signifies a potential shift toward a complete rebuilding phase. The package offered by the Spurs includes Jeremy Sochan, Tre Jones, and a collection of draft picks spanning multiple years. While this might be an enticing offer, it would require the Hawks to part ways not only with Young but also with other key assets like Dejounte Murray and Clint Capela.
The question for the Hawks becomes whether they are ready to hit the panic button and undergo a total reconstruction. While the package for Trae Young is substantial, none of the incoming pieces appear to be cornerstone players for the future. Additionally, the Spurs, with the tandem of Wembanyama and Young, most likely will not finish in the top 5 in the draft, potentially diminishing the long-term value of the picks involved.
In considering the implications of this trade, the Hawks would need to weigh the immediate gain versus the long-term prospects. If the goal is to rebuild from scratch, this deal provides assets, but the lack of clear foundational pieces raises questions about its overall impact on Atlanta’s future competitiveness.
Deal or No Deal: NO DEAL
4. New Orleans Find A True Point Guard
Trade Details
Pelicans Receive: Trae Young
Hawks Receive: CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick (via Bucks)
This proposed trade aims to address the needs of both the Atlanta Hawks and the New Orleans Pelicans. For Atlanta, the deal allows them to maintain their core while reshaping their backcourt dynamics. By slotting CJ McCollum in as the shooting guard alongside Dejounte Murray at point guard, the Hawks hope to create a more complementary and versatile backcourt. This adjustment also positions Murray in his more natural role, potentially maximizing his production.
The addition of Herb Jones, a defensive specialist adept at guarding the perimeter, addresses Atlanta’s defensive concerns, particularly in pick-and-roll situations where Trae Young has often been targeted. The three future first-round picks, along with the immediate impact of McCollum and Jones, present a balanced package for the Hawks to bolster both their present and future competitiveness.
In evaluating the individual performances, CJ McCollum has been contributing 19.9 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.3 rebounds in 30 games this season. Herb Jones, known for his defensive prowess, has posted solid numbers with 10.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks in 41 games.
For New Orleans, acquiring Trae Young would form a potent Big 3 alongside Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. This trio, still with plenty of years ahead in their peak performance, could elevate the Pelicans to legitimate championship contention in the future.
The potential starting lineup for Atlanta, featuring Murray, McCollum, Jones, De’Andre Hunter, and Onyeka Okongwu, presents an intriguing mix of offensive firepower and defensive prowess. Meanwhile, New Orleans could create a formidable foundation for future success with a Big 3 of Young, Zion, and Ingram.
Deal or No Deal: DEAL
5. The Nets Make A Blockbuster Offer
Trade Details
Nets Receive: Trae Young
Hawks Receive: Spencer Dinwiddie, Cam Thomas, Dorian Finney-Smith, 2025 First-Round Pick Swap (via Suns), 2027 First-Round Pick (via Suns), 2029 First-Round Pick
For the Brooklyn Nets, this proposed trade represents a significant move in their pursuit of acquiring a superstar, reminiscent of the James Harden acquisition from Houston. Atlanta, in turn, would receive a package that includes a productive point guard in Spencer Dinwiddie, a potential elite scorer in the future with Cam Thomas, and a 3-and-D perimeter defender in Dorian Finney-Smith — valuable assets for any contending team.
However, there are significant considerations for the Atlanta Hawks. The impending free agency of Spencer Dinwiddie adds a layer of uncertainty, as there’s a risk of losing him in the offseason. Additionally, the draft picks from the Phoenix Suns, a perennial playoff team with stars like Durant, Beal, and Booker, may not hold substantial value in the lottery. While Brooklyn’s 2029 pick introduces an element of unpredictability, it might not be worth parting ways with a franchise player like Trae Young.
In essence, the potential of this trade is substantial, offering Atlanta a mix of current and future assets. Yet, the uncertainties surrounding Dinwiddie’s future and the limited impact of the Phoenix’s picks in the lottery make this deal less appealing for the Hawks. Considering the variables at play and the absence of a surefire prospect, Atlanta may be better off retaining their franchise player.
Deal or No Deal: NO DEAL
