NBA Rumors: Updates on Trae Young’s Trade Market

As the Atlanta Hawks head into the 2024-25 season, their core will include Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, and Zaccharie Risacher. Dyson Daniels, likely to back up Young, has also joined the team. The 2022 No. 8 pick, standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 199 pounds, offers a unique playmaking ability. However, with a career 3-point shooting percentage of just 31.2%, he may not fit seamlessly into the starting lineup.

Neither Clint Capela nor Onyeka Okongwu poses a significant threat from beyond the arc. Johnson has shot 32.8% from 3-point range throughout his career, and Risacher, the 2024 No. 1 pick, only managed 25.0% during the Summer League. Therefore, it might be more strategic to start either Bogdan Bogdanovic or De’Andre Hunter, with Hunter being the preferable choice due to his strong on-ball defense. After finding success in a bench role last season, he may now have the opportunity to thrive in the starting unit, potentially averaging over 20 points per game.

Updates on Trae Young’s Trade Market

From a readiness perspective, Atlanta seems to be lagging behind compared to last season. This raises questions about Young’s satisfaction with his supporting cast, especially since he has emphasized his desire to win in the postseason.

Currently, the Hawks are not guaranteed a playoff spot. Despite having already restructured their backcourt, Young could still be traded. Hawks general manager Landry Fields has not fully committed to keeping Young, and ideally, Atlanta would like to reclaim their first-round picks from the San Antonio Spurs. The Hawks owe the Spurs two first-round picks and a pick swap over the next three drafts, and the upcoming 2025 and 2026 drafts are highly regarded.

Trading Young to the Spurs would be the most straightforward way to reacquire those picks. However, ESPN’s Zach Lowe reports that interest from both the Spurs and the Lakers in Young has waned recently, although potential deals are still possible.

No Immediate Need for Trae Young in San Antonio

After drafting Stephon Castle and signing Chris Paul, the Spurs have less need for Young. Paul, on a one-year deal, will likely start, but his age raises questions about his long-term role. Castle is poised to be the future starting point guard, and 2024 No. 36 pick Juan Nuñez may compete for that spot upon his return from Spain.

Potential Interest from the Lakers

Young has often been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers. If they wanted to acquire him, the Lakers could offer a package including Austin Reaves and two first-round picks. However, due to Young’s high salary, locker room reputation, and his on-court tendencies, this might be the best return Atlanta could expect.

Several factors suggest the Lakers may not pursue the trade. They have distanced themselves from the “Big 3” model due to penalties for high-salary teams, and they are reluctant to part with Reaves. Furthermore, they recently hired former Hawks coach Nate McMillan as an assistant, who was reportedly available due to a public dispute with Young. With JJ Redick stepping in as the new head coach, the situation could become too volatile.

Source: https://lastwordonsports.com/basketball/2024/07/19/nba-rumors-updates-trae-young-trade-market/