It’s becoming less and less of a rarity for All-NBA players to get traded, as the player empowerment movement becomes entrenched as the norm. What remains a rarely-seen trade, however, is when a young, team-controlled All-NBA star is on the trade block. Recent rumors suggest that’s exactly what is happening now with Trae Young.
At just 24 years old, Young has already captured two all-star team spots and one All-NBA third team placement. Since getting traded from the Mavericks on draft night for Luka Doncic, Young has been the face and centerpiece of the Hawks, helping them reach one conference finals during his tenure.
More and more, however, that trip looks like an outlier when taking a wider view at Young’s tenure on the team. The Hawks have only managed a 174-211 record since drafting him while missing the playoffs in two of those years.
They made a massive move to swing for Dejounte Murray with hopes of contending again in the east, but after Young turned in his worst shooting season since his rookie year from all spots on the floor, it’s harder to imagine him being the piece to lead this team to the promised land.
That doesn’t even take into account the behind-the-scenes chatter that goes on around Young and the Hawks’ relationship, a somewhat acrimonious one that transcends just one coach or decision.
If Atlanta isn’t sure about Trae Young as their franchise star, it will represent a massive seismic shift in the league’s balance, as teams would line up to try to trade for him even with warts in his game. It’s hard to find ball-dominant guards who can score from deep and create for others as Young does.
Although the list is longer than just four teams, here are the most likely suitors that could try to pry Trae from Atlanta’s clutches this season if he becomes available.
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Author: Rowan Kent
April 13, 2023 | 8:30 am
