Despite many reporters speculating about whether Trae Young even had trade value, things moved extraordinarily fast once the Hawks reportedly began seriously considering offers. Within about a week of that initial report, Atlanta dealt him to the Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert.
Admittedly, the return wasn’t exactly a king’s ransom, but the Hawks picked up a proven veteran in McCollum on an expiring contract, a solid shooter in Kispert who is also on an easily movable deal, and most importantly, Atlanta created a ton of financial flexibility for whenever they choose to spend.
That could come as soon as the upcoming trade deadline, according to Shams Charania, who reports the Hawks aren’t done yet and should now be considered serious players for Anthony Davis, a target they’ve been monitoring for weeks.
“This Trae Young deal sets the Atlanta Hawks up with additional financial flexibility to be active on the trade front to land another big-name player, another major salary — and that being Anthony Davis in season,” Charania said on ESPN. “They are going to pursue Anthony Davis as a prime trade target with the Mavericks. This pursuit of Anthony Davis is really made possible because you get rid of this salary of Trae Young moving forward.”
The pieces are beginning to fall into place. The Hawks have been the team most consistently connected to Davis, and several reporters believe the 10-time All-Star will be moved before next month’s trade deadline. However, few thought a deal could realistically happen unless Atlanta first moved Young in a separate transaction.
That domino has now fallen. The next hurdle is assembling a trade package that satisfies Dallas. The Mavericks are rumored to be eyeing former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, while the Hawks have reportedly pushed back on including him.
Will either side budge? We’ll find out over the next four weeks.
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Photographer: Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire
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