Insider: Victor Wembanyama 'intrigued' by potentially playing with Hawks star

Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young’s future has been among the biggest talking points as most of the league is already in the offseason.

Young has consistently said that he wants to stay and win in Atlanta.

However, there has been an increased emphasis on the winning aspect, with Young saying in no uncertain terms the front office has to be on the same page. Still, that is far from a trade demand or even a soft request.

The idea that Young could be on the move has made the rounds, though, with the idea of teaming up being of interest to San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama.

“I will say that I have talked to people who know Wemby who have indicated that he is at least intrigued by that idea,” ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said on “Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective” on May 13. “Now, intrigued by that idea and pounding the table are two very different things. I have no idea whether Gregg Popovich would be intrigued by the idea. 

“He's not classically a Popovich player, Trae Young. And everybody I talk to says, “Hey, from a basketball perspective, I think it could really work because … Wemby covers up a lot of sins defensively and a lot of flaws defensively.

“Say what you want about Trae Young, the man can run pick-and-roll and is one of the probably two best lob passers in the league.”

Young has been complimentary of Wembanyama in the past. 

And there is a belief he too would be open to the pairing, which would mean a trade from Atlanta. The Hawks held talks with the Spurs about Murray and Young, though nothing came to fruition.

“There are indications Murray doesn't have significant interest in returning to the Spurs,” Action Network’s Matt Moore wrote on January 10. “A more interesting question is if the Spurs and Hawks would have interest in a deal for Young. League sources have suggested that Young's camp would be open … to pairing Young with Victor Wembanyama.”

But it’s not that simple. 

Spurs have questions about potential trade for Hawks star

“I would say culturally are the questions,” McMahon said. “It's not like, ‘Hey, Trae, are you okay being the No. 2 guy?’ 

“[It’s], ‘Trae, do you embrace being the sidekick.’ It's not one and two. It is, ‘This is the face of the franchise and you are here to enhance him and maximize his talents.’ And, obviously, there are a lot a lot of doubts about that.”

McMahon is not the only one reporting on concerns over Young’s fit alongside Wembanyama.

“One other note. Spurs fans have been buzzing about the team getting in the mix for a Trae Young trade this summer,” NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin wrote on April 22. “League sources have told NBC Sports not to bet on that happening, as San Antonio doesn’t see Young as a fit with Wembanyama going forward. The Spurs might be more interested in the Hawks’ Dejounte Murray if he is available.”

Murray said he appreciated any interest that was coming from Popovich. Whichever decision the Hawks make figures to have significant repercussions.