On Sunday, NBA insider Marc Stein confirmed Chris Haynes' Dec. 26 report about the Atlanta Hawks' interest in Anthony Davis (subscription required), calling the team a "real-deal suitor" for the 32-year-old. Stein noted how Haynes said that Trae Young wouldn't be included in a Davis trade, but that doesn't mean the guard would remain with the organization. Why would the team want to take on AD's contract (he is also extension-eligible this summer) and deal with Young picking up his $49 million option?
As we creep closer toward the deadline, the chatter about a Young trade is increasing. The Hawks went 13-9 without him when he was sidelined with a knee injury, and have lost the four games that he has played in since returning. To be fair, they didn't lose because of Young, but if that trend continues, it could give the front office another reason to move on from him by Feb. 5.
The Hawks wouldn't want to keep Trae Young and trade for Anthony Davis
If you're reading this and have concerns about Atlanta trading for Davis, you're not alone. He's one of the best two-way players in the game, but that's only when he's healthy. Since the Lakers shockingly traded him to the Mavericks at last season's deadline for Luka Dončić, AD has spent more time off the floor than on it. Davis most recently suffered a minor groin injury on Christmas Day.
If Dallas decides that it is open to trading AD before the deadline (Stein reported that owner Patrick Dumont may choose to wait and see Davis, Cooper Flagg, and Kyrie Irving play together), and Atlanta is where he ends up, it would most likely mean the end of Young's time with the Hawks. That's assuming he wouldn't have been included in a different trade before that point.
The writing was on the wall before the season started that it could be Young's final one in Atlanta. Two months into the season, it seems even more likely that a trade could happen. There are teams out there in need of a point guard, and Young would be a better option than other players that could hit the market, like LaMelo Ball.
Even if the Hawks decide against a Davis trade, and to be clear, the Mavericks haven't made him available yet, Young could still be on the way out. If you haven't prepared yourself for that outcome, you'd best get ready. Don't let the Shams Charania ESPN notification knock you over entirely.