Trade rumors are a reality of life for most NBA players, Hawks guard Trae Young told reporters following Sunday’s All-Star Game (video link). Speculation has been growing that Young could be on the move this summer, especially after Atlanta decided to hold onto his backcourt partner, Dejounte Murray, at the deadline.
“The best players in the game have all been traded,” Young said. “Some of the few lucky ones have been blessed to be drafted in situations where they can win championships and it will all be perfect for them. They can stay in that one situation forever. That’s what I wanted to do, and that’s what I want to do with Atlanta. But who knows? This is the type of league where things change, but obviously my mindset is staying in Atlanta right now. I don’t get caught up in all the rumors and stuff. My contract is locked in for a couple years. I don’t have very much say in it right now.”
As Young notes, he’s under contract for the next two seasons and has a nearly $49MM early termination option for 2026/27. His contract also includes a 15% trade kicker, which would factor into the price of any deal unless he chooses to waive it. Young is in his sixth year with the Hawks after being taken with the fifth pick in the 2018 draft, but the organization may be ready for massive changes following another disappointing season.
There’s more from the Southeast Division:
- Now that his first All-Star Game is over, Paolo Banchero will return his focus to getting the Magic into the postseason, tweets Jason Beede of The Orlando Sentinel. Banchero said the playoff race was a topic of conversation among Eastern Conference players. “In the locker room, we were talking about the standings and stuff,” he said. “… How intense it’s going to be after the break.”
- The new-look Hornets entered the All-Star break with three straight wins as the shakeup at the trade deadline has brought a new energy to the team, writes Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer. The organization opted to part with veterans Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward and P.J. Washington while bringing more young talent onto the roster. “It feels good. Guys are happy, coaches are happy,” said Tre Mann, who was acquired in a deal with Oklahoma City. “We know it’s a lot more work to do. We can get better and it’s a small sample size. And we’ve got to build on it.”
- The Washington Post (subscription required) takes an inside look at the secret negotiations that led to Ted Leonsis’ plan to move the Wizards and the NHL’s Capitals to Arlington, Virginia.
Talk about poison pill contract…
15% on top of that overpay…
Hawks are screwed… Gonna need a really daft GM to bite on a Trae trade.
Really hope ATL does move Trae and holds onto Murray. This Trae led side and fizzled out after having 1 good playoff run a few years back. Trae is their best player and will fetch the biggest return and already you have a near all star level replacement in waiting with DeJounte Murray.
Trae is fantastic 30-10 almost every night but his lack of defence and lack of team success has really hurt them. Not only that bad failure to get along with coaches and failure to show signs on improving as a team.
It’ll be interesting to see who chases him and what the price is, I’d personally like to see this:
To Brooklyn, Trae for Cam Johnson, Dennis Schroeder, Cam Thomas and 2 firsts.
ATL build on Murray Thomas Jalen Johnson and Cam Johnson. Brooklyn pair Trae with Mikal and Claxton maybe even Ben Simmons at PF?
For ATL I like the two Johnson’s in the forward spots but it does mean you don’t really have that high end talent. Would love to see Cam Thomas vs Bufkin for the SG spot and you’d have picks but you’d need to draft well, spend well and develop well to win this deal.
For Brooklyn it’s a big sign they want to win now and build around Mikal. If Ben could return that would be huge but if not I still like Trae leading the offence, Mikal leading the team and Claxton leading the defence. DFS is also a great fit in this side but again you’d need to spend wisely in FA or wait for Ben to either come back or his deal expire
Trae to Orlando, I don’t know how but if somehow Orlando FO can trade for Trae it will be huge for this team, the city and the Magic fans. As long Franz are Paolo aren’t part of the deal I’ll trade for Trae perhaps Suggs, Wendell Carter and few first round picks would entertain ATL to do the trade.
To the spurs for Atlanta picks they gave the spurs for murray and 2 second rounders