With the Hawks’ search for a new president of basketball operations still ongoing, many are left wondering what the next decision-maker has in store for the team’s future. One of the biggest rumors is that the franchise could move on from its superstar guard, Trae Young, after seven seasons in Atlanta. This is no knock on Young. The four-time All-Star and reigning NBA assists leader has been the face of the Hawks. But with the new second apron restrictions being more punishing than ever, the team may have already hit its ceiling with Young at the helm.
Meanwhile, during this year’s playoffs, one team that had an incredible regular season fizzled out when it mattered most. That team was the Houston Rockets. Their first-round, Game 7 loss to the Warriors exposed a glaring issue. They didn't have a true go-to guy. Despite winning 52 games this season, they just didn't have a guy they could lean on. Since their exit, the Rockets have been linked to just about every star on the market, from Kevin Durant to Giannis Antetokounmpo to Devin Booker. So why not Trae Young?
Young is exactly the kind of player the Rockets need. Someone who can create in the clutch, run the offense, and push the pace. If he were to become available, there would be a long list of interested teams, but Houston might have the best offer on the table.
Why the Rockets can provide the ideal return
The Rockets boast one of the league’s deepest young cores, including names like Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Reed Sheppard, Cam Whitmore, and Tari Eason, along with multiple first-round picks including the 10th pick in this year’s draft.
Jalen Green is a must-get guy in a potential deal. A dynamic scorer with elite athleticism and a high ceiling, he’s only 23 years old and averaged 21 points per game this season. However, efficiency continues to his biggest knock, he shot a poor 42 percent from the field. Green's 2 year extension kicks in this offseason, worth over 33 million dollars per year with an option for a third. While Green still has not hit his max potential, a change of scenery may help him.
Jabari Smith Jr. is the most exciting piece in this package. Coming out of Auburn, he looked like a surefire superstar. A 6'10" forward who could shoot, block shots, and score in the paint. He was dominant in college. Since entering the NBA, though, he’s struggled to find his rhythm in Houston, ranking just 13th in usage rate on the team, despite averaging 12 points per game this year. Still, Smith has insane versatility making him a great fit next to Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu in the frontcourt.
Reed Sheppard is another important piece. The number 3 overall pick in last year’s draft, Sheppard is a knockdown shooter who just couldn’t carve out a major role in Houston due to their insane depth. But in limited opportunities, he’s impressed, including a 25-point game against the Thunder in April, where he hit 3 of 7 from deep. He could develop into a potential all-star point guard with more opportunity.
Lastly, the 10th overall pick gives the Hawks another lottery pick in this years draft and the chance to add another impact player, further building on their new young core.