5 Blockbuster offseason trade packages for Hawks' Trae Young
The Atlanta Hawks (24-31) trading Trae Young this offseason still appears highly unlikely going into the All-Star break.
Neither side has given public smoke signals that they are eager for or even open to a divorce. But the rumor mill’s never-ending churn has wrought speculation that the Hawks could explore trade options for the three-time All-Star.
There is a growing list of potential suitors just waiting for word Young is available. With that, let’s explore what the best returns from those rumored suitors would look like.
First up is the rumored top destination, the San Antonio Spurs.
Proposed Trae Young trade lands Spurs’ Keldon Johnson, Devonte Graham
The Stein Line’s Marc Stein reported that San Antonio “tops the perceived list” of potential trade destinations on February 12. That essentially corroborates a report from Action Network’s Matt Moore on January 10 stating Young would indeed be open to such a move.
This hypothetical package from the Spurs could be intriguing for the Hawks next season and beyond.
Trae to Spurs
Moore and Stein noted the presence of big man Victor Wembanyama as the rumored key appeal of the Spurs to Young. In this deal, they would get a pair of perimeter players to help match salary, yes, but also provide value on the court.
Keldon Johnson is a big-bodied wing who averaged 22 points per game for an entire season (2022-23) and is familiar with Hawks star Dejounte Murray.
The two-way threat is in the first year of a four-year, $74 million contract.
Graham offers some scoring punch and quickness at the guard spot that would undeniably be thin without Young to direct traffic. He is in the third year of a four-year, $47.3 million contract, the final year of which is only guaranteed for $2.8 million.
Neither player is on the level of Young, making the logic behind this hypothetical trade a no-brainer from the Spurs’ perspective.
The Hawks would also get precious draft capital to begin plotting out their next course, which could very well include a complete rebuild if they decide to unmoor themselves from Young.