The 2024-25 NBA season has only just begun, but Trae Young and Zach LaVine are already showing why they’re stars that teams may regret passing up on. Young, leading the Atlanta Hawks, is putting up impressive numbers, averaging 26.5 points and 10.8 assists per game. He continues to excel as one of the league’s premier playmakers, with a killer ability to control the game and create for teammates. Amid the Hawks’ mixed team performance, Young’s individual impact remains undeniable.
LaVine, fully recovered from last season’s injuries, is back in form for the Chicago Bulls, proving that he’s still one of the league’s most explosive scorers. He’s showing versatility, knocking down tough shots from deep, and driving to the rim with ease. With DeMar DeRozan no longer on the roster, LaVine has reclaimed his role as their main offensive weapon, making him an even bigger asset for the Bulls with 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists so far.
Both Young and LaVine are off to strong starts, making it clear they’re players who can lift a team with their scoring and playmaking—a reality that might leave some teams kicking themselves for not pursuing them more aggressively in the offseason.
Trae Young’s Great Start
Trae Young has come out firing this season, reminding everyone why he’s one of the most electrifying offensive guards in the league. Through the first few games, he’s posting impressive stats: 26.5 points and 10.8 assists per game. Young has already delivered standout performances, like his 38-point, 10-assist game against the Charlotte Hornets, where he shot 45.8% from the field, and another game with 30 points and 12 assists against the Brooklyn Nets. These high-impact performances have set the tone for Atlanta, proving that Young’s offensive prowess is as valuable as ever.
It’s easy to forget, but last season’s trade rumors put Young’s future with the Hawks into question. Atlanta had tested the waters, reportedly open to moving Young if the right deal came along. The Hawks were looking at restructuring after moving Dejounte Murray, potentially leaning towards a rebuild. But this season, Young’s play has reminded everyone that he’s still a cornerstone player, not just a trade asset. His elite scoring and playmaking ability have shown teams like the Spurs—who opted for veteran Chris Paul instead—that passing on Young might have been a missed opportunity.
The Spurs, aiming for a floor general alongside Victor Wembanyama, went after Chris Paul in the offseason but missed the chance to grab a younger, more dynamic playmaker like Young. Given the start of this season, Young’s market value has likely climbed significantly. At this rate, if the Hawks were to entertain a trade, they’d likely be looking at a haul of three or four first-round picks—a steep price but justified given Young’s recent performances.
Young’s games this season further highlight his versatility. Against Oklahoma City, he posted 24 points and eight assists, shooting 50% from the field, and he followed that with a 14-point, 13-assist game against Washington, showing his dual threat as both a scorer and facilitator. Atlanta has benefited immensely from his presence on the floor, and his numbers demonstrate the impact he’s making. While Young struggled with efficiency last season, he seems to have found his rhythm again, enhancing his shot selection and playmaking to make the Hawks a challenging matchup.
In retrospect, if the Spurs or any other team had pushed to acquire Young during the offseason, they might have been able to secure him for a more manageable price. Now, his stock is surging, and the Hawks would likely demand a considerable return. Young’s quick start this season is reminding everyone that he’s not only capable of leading a franchise but doing so while putting up star-level stats. It’s a performance that might leave a few teams wondering why they didn’t take a shot at trading for him when the Hawks seemed open to talks.
As the season progresses, Trae Young will continue to be a focal point for the Hawks, especially if he keeps up his stellar play. His early performances are a message to any front office that may have hesitated: Young is a player who can elevate a team, and anyone hoping to pry him away from the Hawks will now have to pay a premium.
Zach LaVine’s Resurgence Is Making Teams Second-Guess
Zach LaVine is back with a vengeance this season, averaging a solid 26.0 points over the first few games. His offensive output includes a 30-point game against the Grizzlies, where he shot 54.5% from the field and knocked down 5 of 12 from deep. Just a few nights before, he posted 22 points and 9 rebounds versus the Thunder, hitting 44.4% of his three-point attempts. With each game, LaVine’s efficiency and scoring are highlighting why he remains one of the NBA’s most valuable offensive players. This resurgence is underscoring what some teams missed out on when they held back from pursuing him in the offseason.
Past trade rumors had swirled around LaVine, but the Bulls held onto him because the market was reportedly dry, and it’s paying off in the end. His shooting touch has improved, especially from three, where he’s averaging 45.7% on almost nine attempts per game—well above his career averages. This level of scoring and range, alongside his ability to create shots off the dribble, makes him an asset most teams would envy, especially those lacking reliable scorers. For instance, teams like the Lakers and Spurs, who opted for other moves or kept assets on hold, may now wish they had pushed harder for LaVine.
LaVine’s early season performances aren’t just good; they’re sending a message. With DeMar DeRozan no longer on the Bulls, LaVine has taken on an even larger role, shouldering the offensive burden for a team navigating an intense Eastern Conference. His performances are a testament to his reliability as a primary scorer, posting shooting percentages in the mid-50s from the field and 80+% at the free-throw line in his initial games this season. The Bulls are looking to him as their centerpiece, and his scoring flexibility is allowing them to keep pace in competitive matchups.
Had teams like the Lakers gone for LaVine, they could have secured an elite scorer without the cost that now seems inevitable. As LaVine’s stock continues to rise, any team interested in acquiring him now would likely face a steep price of multiple first-round picks and solid young assets. His current performance level, coupled with his offensive versatility, means his trade value is at a high point, making a potential deal both exciting and expensive.
Overall, LaVine’s season start is showcasing why he’s more than just a shooter—he’s a dynamic scorer capable of carrying a team’s offense. His ability to perform under pressure has elevated his standing in the league and reminded teams of the value they could have had, especially as his efficiency and consistency make him a reliable option night after night. For any front offices keeping an eye on LaVine, the window to trade for him affordably has likely closed, and his performances are turning missed chances into possible regrets.
Could They Be Traded This Season?
Trae Young and Zach LaVine both come with high price tags, but their trade situations are vastly different. For Young, a trade remains unlikely. The Hawks have him locked in as a franchise centerpiece, and with his youth and recent strong performances, Atlanta isn’t expected to entertain offers seriously. Young’s play this season has reaffirmed his value, and any move involving him would likely require a historic haul of assets. The Hawks’ recent moves signal a focus on surrounding him with talent rather than shipping him out.
For LaVine, however, the situation is more open-ended. The Bulls appear to be inching closer to a full rebuild, especially with recent struggles and the departure of DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso. LaVine, as their top trade asset, is likely to draw serious interest as the season progresses. His $43 million annual salary was a barrier in past trade discussions, and that financial commitment might remain a challenge for interested teams. Yet, if the Bulls decide to lean fully into a rebuild by the trade deadline, LaVine’s contract could be worth absorbing for a team looking to add a proven scorer, particularly if Chicago is willing to negotiate or include picks to sweeten the deal.
