Soaring Down South
Fansided

5 Biggest threats to steal Trae Young from Atlanta Hawks

By Josh Cornelissen

Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after scoring in the second half against the Chicago Bulls at United Center on January 23, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after scoring in the second half against the Chicago Bulls at United Center on January 23, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks
Julius Randle, New York Knicks and Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks. Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images /

Threat No. 5: The New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are having a great season, with a top-10 offense and a breakout star in Jalen Brunson. Their goal for the offseason, no matter how far their go in the playoffs, is to find a star player and trade for him. That’s easier said than done, but the Knicks have a great collection of players and picks to use in such a deal.

On the surface, Trae Young seems like an ideal Knicks target. He’s a big-name player who loves the bright lights and would welcome a move to the largest city in the country. The issue is that Brunson, the Knicks’ star they signed in free agency last offseason, is also a point guard.

If the Knicks are comfortable playing both Brunson and Young together in a small backcourt, they have plenty of draft assets. They could send some combination of RJ Barrett, Quentin Grimes, Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin to the Hawks, well laden with draft picks. If they decide the two can’t coexist, they have to decide whether Young on his contract is a better fit than Brunson on his contract.

Next. 8 Worst free agent signings in Atlanta Hawks history. dark

The Knicks probably decide to look for a star at a different position than point guard, but their combination of intent and assets places them on the list. These five teams could all make a play to trade for Trae Young, so the Hawks need to be careful.