The Toronto Raptors could be headed into the 2025-26 season as a team to look out for in the Eastern Conference. With some talented young players on their roster, the Raptors could emerge as a dark horse to secure a playoff berth as well.
Along with the addition of Brandon Ingram this summer, the Raptors will be looking forward to the growth of key players such as RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and their star forward, Scottie Barnes.
With all the right pieces in place, Toronto could be competitive. But to really cement their status as a title contender, the Raptors could look at taking a risk by swinging for a big trade.
On this note, Sports Illustrated’s Ethen Hutton presented an intriguing trade idea that would allow the Raptors to land Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks. Here are the details of the package:
Proposed Trade Details
Toronto Raptors Receive: Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Immanuel Quickley, Ochai Agbaji, Collin Murray-Boyles, 2027 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick
Hutton’s trade idea effectively has the Raptors sacrificing their future to have a shot at winning it all in the upcoming season. While this has merit, it raises some important questions for both teams.
Why Would The Hawks Trade Young?
Among the several players who could change their allegiance in the future, Trae Young rarely comes up as a candidate. Given his commitment to the Atlanta Hawks, several expect Young to be with the team for the long-haul.
While this has been the consensus, recent developments have presented a possibility where the guard may have to exit.
This offseason has seen several stars receive sizable contracts. From superstars like Luka Doncic to up-and-coming franchise players like Paolo Banchero, the 2025 offseason has seen some huge deals being struck.
Young is among the many players eligible to receive an extension. Given his contributions to the franchise, it would seems inevitable for the four-time All-Star to receive an offer. But in reality, the future appears to be quite murky.
The Hawks guard took the team to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021. While this presented a promising future for the franchise, the Hawks have come up short in virtually every campaign since.
To address this, the organization committed to a significant roster overhaul this summer. By constructing a competent roster, Atlanta has provided their star with all the necessary tools to succeed. Now, it appears to be a test of Young’s ability to lead this team to title contention.
While Atlanta’s hesitation is justified, Young hasn’t been content with this approach. Given that he is also monitoring the situation, with teams like the Nets and the Heat showing an interest in him, Young could consider a move either this season or in free agency next summer after declining his player option.
How Does This Trade Impact The Two Teams?
For the Raptors, this deal could be significant, as it essentially creates a championship window for them. With Trae Young becoming a part of their core, Toronto would be geared to compete immediately.
Young has proven himself to be one of the best floor generals in the league. With an average of 24.2 points and a league-high 11.6 assists per game last season, Young is aware of how he could contribute to winning. Hence, a move to the Raptors could prove to be intriguing.
Paired with the likes of Barrett, Ingram, and Barnes, the 26-year-old would effectively be featured alongside gifted offensive players. The potential for increased production with Young running the offense is immense, especially with Barnes and Barrett being freed from playmaking duties.
The versatility of Toronto’s starting lineup could make them an incredibly threatening team. Given the weakened state of the East, the Raptors could very realistically go toe-to-toe with the best teams in the conference as well.
For Atlanta, losing Young would be a major setback. But considering what they receive in return, the Hawks could look at a pipeline to return to competitive form in due time.
The addition of players like Immanuel Quickley and Ochai Agbaji could be vital in this process. Quickley has been an impressive asset for the Raptors. Last season, he averaged 17.1 points and 5.8 assists per game, while shooting 42.0% from the field and 37.8% from three-point range.
Having showcased the potential to be a solid combo guard, the 26-year-old could shine in a more significant role with the Hawks, especially while filling the vacancy left by Young’s departure.
Similarly, Agbaji has displayed impressive two-way potential. After a marked increase in production last season, with an average of 10.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, the young guard also demonstrated growth as an offensive threat.
With a developing offensive skillset that complements his elite athletic ability and increased effort on the defensive side of the ball, Agbaji could be a solid addition to Atlanta’s bench rotation.
Along with two established rotation pieces, Atlanta also receives young talent in the form of Collin Murray-Boyles and two key first-round draft picks (2027 and 2029).
Murray-Boyles boasts a lot of potential to develop into a formidable player. With averages of 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in his sophomore year of college, the 20-year-old is poised to be an asset worth developing.
While factoring in the timeline of the first round draft picks, the Hawks could look at becoming a consistent playoff team in four to five years. While this would demand their new additions to develop in a certain manner, the onus would be on the organization to manage this.
Young Is Likely To Remain This Season
Although the trade interest in Young is worth taking note of, it is far more likely for the star guard to decide his future next summer.
The Hawks’ offseason roster-building approach has been quite impressive. With some solid additions to the squad, Atlanta is expected to be one of the top teams in the East next season.
The upcoming season presents more possibilities for success, and this may be enough for the 26-year-old to remain with the team.
