The Atlanta Hawks are coming up on a crossroads after this season: deciding on what to do with superstar Trae Young. He can either take on a $48 million player option, or opt out and go to free agency. If he does the latter, he’s going to ask for a lot of money.
If they don’t feel like ponying up, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus has an idea for them: trading Young for Charlotte Hornets All-Star LaMelo Ball.
MORE: Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla addresses rumors on Knicks pursuit of him, future with Boston
“In the deal, the Hawks avoid negotiating a new contract with Young, locking in a still-expensive (but much taller) alternative…In this scenario, the Hawks won't completely change their identity, as Young (6'2") and Ball are both scoring point guards…The Hornets have several exciting young prospects to build around Young, like Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner. The team can work an extension with Young, or it can wait to re-sign him in free agency if necessary,” Pincus wrote.
In his career with the Hawks, Young has averaged 25.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game. The Hawks would be replacing these numbers with Ball’s career stats of 21 points, six rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game.
MORE: Bulls predicted to trade Nikola Vucevic, Julian Phillips for $13.3 million shot-blocking lob threat
Overall, this would be a great trade for both sides. The Hawks get a taller, younger point guard entering his prime with playoff pieces around him, and the Hornets get a point guard and leader in his prime for their young core. Plus, they can just let him walk and free up some space for new stars they want to bring in.
Hopefully, the Hawks consider this trade. While Young is a fan-favorite in Atlanta, they need to consider who gives them the best chance of winning the NBA Finals.
MORE NBA NEWS
Pacers predicted to trade for $13.3 million shot-blocking lob threat, would finally replace void left by Myles Turner
Celtics predicted to put $100 million Jrue Holiday replacement up on trade block three months after getting him
Bulls predicted to put $60 million two-time All-Star up on trade block to commit to a full rebuild