Trae Young has found himself at the center of trade discussions once again as the Atlanta Hawks work to facilitate a move ahead of his looming $49 million player option for the next season. After some tumultuous years marked by rumors and inconsistent performances, Young’s situation has become increasingly tenuous. The Hawks’ decision not to extend his contract, coupled with his recent injury and the team’s struggles when he returned, has prompted the organization to explore options for a trade.
As the NBA shifts away from small, ball-dominant guards who struggle defensively, the landscape for players like Young—who is perceived as a tier below the elite such as Donovan Mitchell and Tyrese Maxey—has changed drastically. Current dynamics indicate that the Hawks are not looking for equitable value in a trade for Young; instead, they appear to be aiming to shed his lucrative contract ahead of his potential player option.
Three trade possibilities have emerged for Young, all reflecting a shift towards expiring contracts rather than long-term commitments.
The first proposed trade sends Young to the Washington Wizards in exchange for C.J. McCollum, Khris Middleton, and a future first-round pick from Oklahoma City. The Wizards find themselves with expiring contracts that would help the Hawks clear salary cap space. It also presents an opportunity for Washington to assess Young’s fit as they develop their younger talent, particularly aiding players like Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly.
Another option would have the Hawks trading Young to the Los Angeles Clippers for John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanović, and Brook Lopez. This deal allows Atlanta to move off of a high-salary player for expiring contracts while maintaining some depth. The Clippers would be looking to address their bench scoring issues, and despite the unclear fit with their current high-usage guards, Young could potentially help alleviate some offensive concerns.
The third potential trade involves sending Young to the Toronto Raptors for Immanuel Quickley and potentially other pieces. If the Hawks see Quickley as a suitable, less expensive replacement, this trade could balance both teams’ needs. The Raptors have been exploring upgrades to their roster, and acquiring Young could provide a jolt to their half-court offense, though it might disrupt the development of their younger players.
Other teams like the Brooklyn Nets, Utah Jazz, and New Orleans Pelicans have been speculated as potential suitors for Young, but their current rosters and needs do not align favorably with acquiring a player of his contract and skill set. Even teams instituting a win-now strategy, such as the Milwaukee Bucks, have reasons to shy away from a move, given their existing salary cap structures and player needs.
As these discussions unfold, the landscape remains narrow for Young. The likely destinations appear to be the Wizards as the frontrunner, with the Clippers and Raptors as dark horses. The evolving NBA climate creates both challenges and opportunities for players of Young’s profile, but finding a mutually beneficial trade could lead to a fresh start, helping him to rediscover his value in a new environment while simultaneously paving the way for the Hawks to regroup financially.
Amid the uncertainty, there remains a sense of hope that this transition could lead to growth and new opportunities for both Trae Young and the Hawks, setting the stage for a reimagined future.