The Atlanta Hawks ended a long-running saga on Wednesday when they traded Trae Young to the Washington Wizards. The franchise had seemingly decided to move on a while ago, and they finally took the plunge and made the move. And it seems the Hawks are targeting a former NBA champion in the aftermath.
Barring one run to the Eastern Conference Finals in the Trae era, Atlanta has been largely mediocre. Despite the East being considered weaker than the West, they’ve had very little postseason success. And with a new defensive identity seemingly in mind, Anthony Davis is reportedly the man for the Hawks.
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MORE: Atlanta Hawks trade Trae Young to struggling NBA franchise
Moving Young also provides Atlanta with added financial flexibility to pursue a large salary over the next several months – with Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis as a prime in-season trade target.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 8, 2026
“Moving Young also provides Atlanta with added financial flexibility to pursue a large salary over the next several months, with Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis as a prime in-season trade target,” Shams Charania wrote on X while reporting on the Trae Young move.
The Dallas Mavericks have decided to move on from AD, if reports are to be believed. While the star forward’s priority remains to secure a long-term extension for himself, he is open to a move. Dallas wanting to retool while needing quality guard play means CJ McCollum could be key in getting a deal done, too.
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Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis reacts after being fouled against the Sacramento Kings. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Image
Acquiring Davis may not make the Hawks an immediate contender. However, it would certainly give them some much-needed star power now that Young is gone. This will be an interesting situation to monitor as the NBA’s trade deadline approaches.
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