The 2025-26 NBA regular season is only a couple of weeks old, but there is already some trade drama brewing. All eyes are on what will happen with Ja Morant and the Grizzlies, and it could prompt the Atlanta Hawks to make a decision about Trae Young that could end his time with the organization.
There has already been speculation about a possible Young trade, as the two sides have yet to agree on an extension. The point guard could be in a position to decline his $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season next summer, making him an unrestricted free agent. Once the dust clears, Atlanta might be left with nothing, which would be the worst-case scenario.
You can't rule out a midseason trade, not unless the Hawks pay him before then. What could push Atlanta to move him before the February deadline is Morant. The Grizzlies star hasn't requested a trade (at least not yet), but if he does, there are a few teams in need of a point guard that should be in the mix: Minnesota, Phoenix, and Houston.
The Rockets have the most to offer in a trade, whether it be for Trae or Ja, but Sam Amick of The Athletic reported on Wednesday that as of right now, Houston is "unlikely" to go after Morant. ESPN reported on Thursday that the Rockets want to see how things continue to look without Fred VanVleet, rather than make a rash decision.
Hawks could compete with Grizzlies in point guard trade
Several factors will have to work against Atlanta and Young for the team to think about a trade seriously. The Hawks are 4-4 on the season, and how they fare the next few weeks without Young, who is out with an MCL sprain, will be telling. The team they've been without him on the floor hasn't been encouraging, giving them another reason to extend him.
For now, it doesn't seem like a Young trade will happen before the deadline, but then again, it's the NBA. Last year's deadline was enough proof that anything can happen. No star is safe.
Morant hitting the market could be enough to convince Atlanta to listen to offers for Young, at the very least. The Hawks could want to get ahead of the Grizzlies and get the best possible offer for their star point guard. The Rockets joining the Morant race could be enough alone to make Young available.
Hopefully, none of the above will happen, but these are the kinds of fears that creep into the back of your mind when your star player hasn't gotten paid.