With recent rumors about the upcoming Trae Young trade, the suggested trade ideas include the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat, and Orlando Magic.
For several years now, the Atlanta Hawks have found themselves in what is known as NBA limbo.
They are not strong enough to truly compete for the NBA title, but they are not weak enough to tank and aim for a total roster rebuild.
After reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, the Hawks have been unable to repeat that level of success, remaining little more than a play-in team.
During the past offseason, the Hawks were unable to reach an agreement with their superstar, Trae Young, to extend his contract.
This means that at the end of this season, Young could become an unrestricted free agent if he decides not to exercise the nearly $49 million player option in his contract.
Credit AFP – Scanpix
Hawks star's future has long been the subject of speculation, and the recent reports suggest that Young's agents and the Hawks are working on a trade.
What kind of trade would make the most sense for the Hawks and for Trae Young's future? Here are three trade scenarios involving Trae Young in the coming weeks that could, at least in part, transform the NBA.
1. Trae Young to the Hornets trade
Hawks get:
LaMelo Ball
Hornets get:
Trae Young
The first scenario we are going to analyze is, in some ways, also the simplest.
A straight swap, with only two players involved: Trae Young would end up with the Charlotte Hornets, and LaMelo Ball would end up with the Hawks.
In this case, Atlanta and Charlotte would meet halfway, helping each other out.
It now seems clear that the Hornets are not so convinced that LaMelo Ball is the player around whom to build the franchise's future, and trading him for a player of Young's caliber could be an interesting move for the Charlotte franchise.
Credit Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images North America/Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix
Of course, Young may not be so convinced about signing a new contract with the Hornets, but even if he decides to leave at the end of the season, the Hornets would have the salary flexibility to restructure the roster to maximize their chances.
From the Hawks' perspective, this trade would make sense primarily from one perspective: greater contractual guarantees.
LaMelo Ball is under contract until 2029 for a total of nearly $170 million, a significant amount but still less than what it would take to renew Trae Young's contract.
The arrival of LaMelo Ball would also allow the Hawks to maintain their identity, as Ball's style is not dissimilar to Young's, but he is a more physically gifted player.
2. Trae Young to the Heat trade
Hawks get:
Andrew Wiggins
Simone Fontecchio
Nikola Jovic
Jaime Jaquez Jr
Two future first-round picks
Heat get:
Trae Young
Vit Krejci
The second trade we are going to analyze is the one that would see Trae Young end up with the Miami Heat.
The Florida franchise does not currently have a true high-level point guard on its roster and is looking to maintain some salary flexibility in order to bring in a superstar who can add to the current core.
Young would give the Heat a point guard with enormous offensive potential, and the player himself could be persuaded to sign a long-term contract with the Florida franchise, which has historically been one of the most popular among players.
The addition of Krejci to the deal would also give Miami a young, up-and-coming player, a shooter ready to receive Young's passes on the perimeter.
Credit AP-Scanpix
For the Hawks, on the other hand, this trade could guarantee great flexibility.
Wiggins and Fontecchio are two players who can make an immediate contribution. Still, their contracts are also expiring, which would allow the Hawks to easily release them if they don't prove convincing.
Jovic and Jaquez Jr, on the other hand, are two young players with great potential. Jovic has remarkable offensive potential and has recently renewed his contract.
Jaquez Jr, on the other hand, is a very solid defensive player and can also serve as a secondary playmaker.
Furthermore, the future picks would give Atlanta more options in the near future, opening up more scenarios.
Erik Spoelstra Is Breaking Basketball Again
3. Trae Young to the Magic trade
Hawks get:
Jalen Suggs
Wendell Carter Jr.
Anthony Black
Two future first-round picks
Magic get:
Trae Young
Vit Krejci
During the last offseason, the Orlando Magic decided to invest heavily, especially in terms of future picks, to bring Desmond Bane to Florida.
The Magic feel they have the potential to become one of the Eastern Conference contenders and have decided to step on the gas.
Despite this move, however, the Magic continue to have limitations on offense, so acquiring a talented player like Trae Young could be the last piece Orlando needs to become a true contender.
Obviously, acquiring Trae Young via trade would require a significant sacrifice, but given the Magic's desire to win in the short term, it would be an acceptable one.
In this trade scenario, the Magic would put two future first-round picks, Jalen Suggs, Wendell Carter Jr., and Anthony Black on the table.
Credit AP - Scanpix
Suggs is already one of the best perimeter defenders among guards, still very young at 24, and under contract until 2029.
Wendell Carter Jr. is an extremely versatile big man, capable of protecting the rim adequately and also equipped with a decent 3-point shot.
Just like Suggs, Carter Jr., too, has recently renewed his contract.
In this trade, the Hawks would receive a good mix of future picks and players who could help the team immediately, all without putting the franchise in an overly uncomfortable position, salary cap-wise.
Orazio Cauchi
Orazio Cauchi started his career in basketball at 21, having worked for several years at Sportando as the lead writer of the website. He also covered several live events, including the Euroleague Final Four, Italian Cups, Serie A league finals, and EuroBasket. He also contributed to American media, such as LibertyBallers and Def Pen Hoops. Cauchi joined BasketNews in 2021 as a Staff Writer. Holds a degree in Politics & International Relations.
About author
Like what we are doing? Support us by becoming BN+ member.
If you like our content, please click here and add us as your preferred source. It helps us a lot, and we are committed to delivering you the very latest basketball news.