The Atlanta Hawks are in an interesting position. They have a budding superstar in Jalen Johnson who could be the new face of the franchise. His emergence comes at an interesting time because long-time top star Trae Young has a player option for next season, and many feel he will exercise it in search of a new long-term deal.
All the elements are there that make a Young trade more likely. On Sunday, NBA insider Marc Stein added fuel to the speculation when he reported that “There is a growing belief leaguewide that the Hawks are more open to trading him away than they’ve ever been.”
If the Hawks did trade away the four-time All-Star in the next few weeks, here are five teams that could pursue a deal, including the Detroit Pistons.
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic have a lot of potential with young stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Plus, they have a formidable defense. However, they need more offensive punch. They are middle-of-the-road in points per game and assists as a team, and near the bottom of the league in threes made. An elite scorer like Trae Young would bring the big offensive boost they need, especially from the backcourt.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat are always linked to any star player that becomes available in the trade market. After playing well in November, they have slumped significantly over the last couple of weeks and need to make a change if they want to make a real run in the second half inside a much weaker Eastern Conference. The key here is whether Miami would be allowed to use Terry Rozier’s contract in the trade. If they can, they would be a favorite for a potential trade.
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors have gotten much better on defense this season. It is why they are among the four best teams in the East over the first third of the season. However, they need more offensive thump. Especially from the back court.
While they have some solid options, Trae Young is a player who gets far more respect and attention from opposing defenses. Which would open up even more opportunities for Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes to do damage.
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons own the best record in the conference. Yet, some feel they aren’t really the best the East has to offer. And come playoff time, they will be bested by veteran clubs, the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics.
While they don’t need offensive help, Young is a proven big game talent who gives opposing defenses a lot more to worry about. It’s a bold move that could get them back to the Finals and form the best backcourt in the NBA with Cade Cunningham.
Minnesota Timberwolves
There have been rumors linking the Minnesota Timberwolves to trades for impact point guards, including Ja Morant and Darius Garland. Why not pursue Trae Young? If Atlanta is willing to take Rudy Gobert back in a deal, it would give Minnesota the chance to go with a front court of Naz Reid and Julius Randle, and a nasty backcourt of Young and Anthony Edwards. That could be a problem for the elites of the West in the playoffs.
