NEWSLETTER
The Trae Young drama continues.
After the organization saw another head coach (Nate McMillian) go this offseason, questions continue to loom large around the future of the organization. The status of Young, in particular, has become an increasingly loud talking point, with Bleacher Reports’ Chris Haynes even reporting in December that rival executives have circled Young as perhaps the next disgruntled star to ask out.
According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, however, it sounds like the Hawks could end things first. Ownership has reportedly told Atlanta’s recently-reshuffled front office that they are allowed to consider any and all roster changes. And, yes, this apparently includes a Trae Young trade.
With the offseason approaching, league sources say the Hawks’ front office has the green light from ownership to do whatever it wants to with the roster, which includes considering trade opportunities involving All-Star point guard Trae Young.
O’Connor went on to also share that newly hired head coach Quin Snyder holds a lot of weight upstairs. When hired to be the team’s new right-hand man, the veteran coach reportedly demanded to have a future say in the roster-building efforts.
Whether Snyder views Young as part of the long-term plans seemingly remains unclear, but what I guess is clear is that the Hawks are prepared to consider minor and drastic moves, alike. Indeed, having the “green light” from ownership on a Trae Young trade doesn’t necessarily mean they plan to do … you know, trade Trae Young. However, with endless drama coming alongside a record that has now trended in the wrong direction for two-straight seasons, it’s easy to see why the Hawks might be considering some big changes.
While we can never rule out some superstar trades in today’s NBA, I do find it hard to believe Young is elsewhere as soon as this offseason. The point guard is just 24 years old and just finishing the first year of a five-year, $215 million deal.
Also, for as flawed as Young is defensively (and potentially in the locker room), his offensive talent is undeniable. He remains one of the most talented table-setters in the league and still averaged 26.2 points and 10.2 assists this season. We’ve seen his shooting percentages drop a bit this season, but that’s also come while learning to play next to another All-Star guard in Dejounte Murray. As a player the organization chose to draft over the Mavs’ Luka Doncic, I’ve got to imagine there is still some willingness to try to build a contender around Young.
With the numerous reports that have come out of Atlanta over the past few seasons, though, this will still be something to watch. A team like the Chicago Bulls will especially want to keep their eye on it, as Young’s potential availability could overshadow anything they have to offer.
To be clear, it remains murky how the Bulls will proceed with their current roster, but what if they do decide to blow things, themselves? Interest in names like DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine could hit a speed bump if the Hawks are also dangling a disgruntled Young. Unless they try to trade for Trae! They need a point guard, right!?
Look, I’m not sure Young would be the answer to the Bulls’ point guard prayers. I’m also not necessarily in love with what building a future around Young looks like. But I’d be lying if I said the Bulls wouldn’t make at least some sense as a potential landing spot. This is specifically true when we consider those Zach LaVine rumors from earlier this year. Would the Hawks and Bulls do some sort of LaVine-for-Young swap? The money would work out seamlessly, and LaVine would end up playing alongside Seattle native and close friend Dejounte Murray.
I’m not saying that I see this happening at all. If the Bulls were to ever move LaVine (which feels even more unlikely now that he went on this post-All-Star break tear), my guess is the return centers around draft capital. But it at least feels worth a mention in this crazy NBA.
