The trade deadline is over; however, one can only wonder what moves will be made this offseason. One team in particular, the Atlanta Hawks, finds themselves in a curious position. Making the blockbuster trade for Dejounte Murray in the summer of 2022, that’s led to little to no progress, and ultimately finding themselves at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings once again. NBA writer Marc Stein reports, “The Hawks’ inaction is hardly considered permanent. Could the Hawks ultimately decide to keep Murray and trade Trae Young in the offseason?” An interesting decision, as back in 2018 one of the most balanced draft day trades in NBA history took place. The Atlanta Hawks trading Luka Doncic’s draft rights to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Trae Young. With both superstars leading their team to conference finals.
Trae Young is having another historic season. Averaging 26 PPG and 10 AST in back-to-back seasons. Also ranking 5th all-time in games with 30 points and 10 assists. Despite another elite season from Young, the Hawks still find themselves near the end of the Eastern Conference standings. Signaling to the front office that the move for Dejounte Murray was unsuccessful and that it’s time for a change. According to NBA writer Marc Stein, the Hawks could be looking to move away from Young instead of Murray. Putting an end to an era, and commencing a rebuild. Two teams in the Western Conference have made Trae Young a priority this offseason. Both needing another piece to get over the hump. Below we look at these two teams, and if a move for Young makes sense.
San Antonio Spurs
A team with one of the worst records in the league, but the player with seemingly the most potential. The tandem of Trae Young and Victor Wembanyama could become one of the NBA’s most threatening duos. From Young’s elite playmaking ability to Wembanyama’s freakish size and skill, this could be the duo of the future in San Antonio. Howard Beck of the Ringer reports, “It’s considered near certainty that [The Hawks] will part with one, or both [Trae and Dejounte], this summer.” Also mentioning the Hawks and Spurs having talks ahead of the trade deadline to move Young. San Antonio will be looking to add pieces around Wembanyama. Who has played better than originally advertised. According to Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report, the Spurs would need to part ways with players such as Devonte Graham and Keldon Johnson along with picks. Freeing cap space for Young’s contract, and giving Atlanta assets to start their rebuild.
Rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama has been labeled by many the greatest prospect in sports history. Bringing a pre-draft hype to the league no one has seen since Lebron James. Wembanyama is taking the league by storm. With averages of 20.5 PPG, 10 REB, 3.2 AST, and an NBA leading 3.2 blocks. Numbers only greats like Shaquille O’Neal and Alonzo Mourning have produced. Despite Wembanyama’s success, the Spurs find themselves at the bottom of the Western Conference, having the third worst record in the NBA. Positioning themselves for a lottery pick once again, and a chance to build around Wembanyama in the offseason. One area of concern for San Antonio has been the point guard position. Constantly experimenting with different lineups. Going as far as trying Jeremy Sochan at the position for some time. It is clear the Spurs are looking for the right fit at point guard; therefore, we can expect them to make some moves this offseason.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off a rollercoaster season in 2023. Clawing their way from the play-in tournament to the Western Conference Finals. Lebron James is no longer the player he once was. However, at age 39, James is still widely considered one of the top players in today’s game. Along with all-star big man Anthony Davis, the Lakers have one of the best frontcourts in the NBA. Having two superstars who can take over a game at any moment. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers have made Trae Young their number one priority this offseason. With the attempt to push for a championship, and have a future duo of Young and Davis for the post Lebron future. Something Los Angeles has been looking towards, as they have also been linked to names such as Kyrie Irving and Zach Lavine. Buha reports the Lakers having talks with Atlanta over acquiring Dejounte Murray at the trade deadline; therefore, we can expect a move to be made this summer.
A pick-and-roll between Trae Young and Anthony Davis would be like a match made in heaven for Lakers fans. With Young’s ability to stretch the floor and Davis’ paint presence, the two will present an inside-out duo the league has not yet seen. Making it hard for defenses to pick their poison. Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report states the deal will center around D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and picks. Giving Atlanta assets to start their rebuild. It was also reported that Lebron James has been linked to trade talks with the Golden State Warriors at the trade deadline. Meaning that others outside the Lakers franchise see the James era coming to an end. With the addition of Trae Young, Lakers fans could expect to stay in playoff contention post James. One key concern however will be the age and health of Anthony Davis. Who will be turning 31 years old this season. Davis, having issues staying on the court in the past, is slowly approaching his most games played since originally joining the Lakers in the 2019-2020 season. Putting the “street clothes” narrative to rest. Regardless of your opinion on Davis, his impact on the court has been undeniable. Being selected for his 9th all-star game in 12 seasons, and having another All-defensive team type of year. Doing so while arguably being a top 10 player in today’s game. If Los Angeles does find themselves trading for Young, Davis’ health and availability will be very important to the team’s success in the future.
The Future of Atlanta
The Atlanta Hawks are currently in 10th place in the Eastern Conference standings. Positioning themselves in the very last spot to join the play-in tournament. The Dejounte Murray experiment can be seen as unsuccessful, as no team makes a blockbuster trade to be in last place. With the trading of John Collins to Utah, it is evident Atlanta also thinks it’s time for a change. Whether it’ll be Young or Murray, Atlanta will have a tough decision to make this offseason. If Atlanta winds up moving away from Young, it’ll be one of the biggest what-ifs stories in NBA history. How different would Atlanta be if they never traded away Luka Doncic, arguably the NBA’s best player, to Dallas? The answer to this question and the future of the Hawks organization are both unknown. What we do know is that Atlanta will have a tough decision to make this summer.
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