Proposed Trae Young trade lands Lakers trio
The Lakers have maintained an interest in the Hawks star, per The Athletic’s Jovan Buha in August, and could explore that again this offseason.
The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor continued his push, saying Young would “welcome” a trade to L.A.
Young has only spoken of wanting to win with the Hawks and even pushed back when presented with the idea that he would have to leave to chase a title. Still, this hypothetical package would follow a pre-existing framework.
The Hawks could very well adjust the player-to-pick ratio with eyes on the Lakers’ 2025 first-rounder that will be available come draft time.
In the scenario above, the Hawks avoid the end of LeBron James’ tenure and could very well be making the pick after Anthony Davis has also moved on. That increases the odds of it being a higher and more valuable selection.
The Lakers would like never bottom out with Young and their ability to recruit.
The Hawks did not want to take D’Angelo Russell back in trade talks around Young’s backcourt mate Dejounte Murray, whose play sparked this latest round of rumored indecision in Atlanta.
Perhaps they would deem he is a better fit next to Murray who has already shown a great willingness to defer offensively and play without the ball in his hands. Russell is similarly better with the ball.
But he has also shown he can play off this season alongside James and Davis.
The Hawks get Russell in the final year of a two-year, $36 million contract and Jalen Hood-Schifino in the second year of his rookie contract.
Rui Hachimura – in Year 1 of a three-year, $51 million contract – is mostly in this deal for salary-matching purposes. But he surprised many with his play since being traded to the Lakers and could do it again in another new situation.