The saga continues, as the Atlanta Hawks “have spoken with the (Sacramento) Kings on a potential trade framework centered around” All-Star point guard Trae Young. Though these talks “stalled,” they occurred “in recent weeks,” per RG’s Grant Afseth.
Hawks Trade Negotiations Could Knock Trae Young Out Nest
With the Hawks rumored to have considered Young’s agent for their President of Basketball Operations vacancy, his position with the franchise seems to be more secure than last offseason. At that time, Atlanta appeared to be picking between he and Dejounte Murray, both of whom were best off as lead guards. Murray was eventually traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, his maiden voyage as a captain of a new franchise ravaged by injuries and embedded with inconsistency.
Meanwhile, Young managed to make his fourth All-Star appearance, his second straight as an injury replacement. In any case, he deserves a lot of credit for how competitive the Hawks often are. Nonetheless, the last time Atlanta clinched a postseason berth was 2023, and at some point questions about the viability of building around Young may arise.
That being said, it doesn’t seem highly probable that he’ll be traded one day. Yet, the possibility can’t be discounted, especially as the Hawks continue to listen to offers for him. Whatever reason the deal with the Kings fell through, it indicates a willingness to explore other avenues to contention.
Which is ultimately the best move.
Turning Over A New Leaf
In a deal with the Kings, Atlanta likely could’ve acquired any star on their roster. Given Young’s age (26) and production, as well as their roster construction and head coach Quin Snyder’s philosophy, Zach LaVine or Domantas Sabonis could’ve been their principal target.
50% FG, 40% 3P, and 80% FT this season:
(min. 72 GP)
— Karl-Anthony Towns
— Zach LaVine
— Nikola Vucevic
— Harrison BarnesThat’s it – no one else. pic.twitter.com/gc2GB7CSj8
— KATMuse (@KATownsMuse) June 10, 2025
LaVine, 30, is a scoring-minded wing who arguably had his best season in 2024-25. In 74 games, the two-time All-Star averaged 23.3 points and 4.2 assists per game, shooting 44.6 percent from 3. However, he’s not the most reliable player in terms of defense or durability.
Posting Player Performances Every Day Until the Kings Make an Offseason Move
06/04/2025
January 9th, 2024
Domantas Sabonis
– 37 PTS (76% FG!!)
– 10 REB
– 13 ASTpls don’t trade him, i’ll miss him too much pic.twitter.com/j5LFt0ve4T
— Caitlynn (@caitlynnsmithhh) June 5, 2025
Sabonis, 29, is a super savvy big man who can get triple-double any game. Over the past three seasons, he’s averaged 19.2 points, 13.3 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game. He’s not the greatest defender either though, largely due to athletic limitations.
Replacing Young with either would’ve likely led to Dyson Daniels shifting to point guard, his natural position. In LaVine’s case, the biggest benefit would be better 3-point shooting. LaVine is a career 39.1 percent 3-point shooter whereas Young is a career 35.2 percent 3-point shooter. In Sabonis’s case, the most fascinating aspect is the ability to play through him as a fulcrum.
Orlando Magic
If the Kings trade for Garland, or he stays with the Cavs, the Orlando Magic will presumably be down a target. To that point, there are rumors that Orlando and Cleveland put together the framework of a trade headlined by Garland and Jalen Suggs. With that in mind, the Magic could pivot to Young if negotiations with the Cavaliers fail.
If so, Suggs will likely still be on the table, allowing the Hawks to have perhaps the best point-of-attack defense in the NBA. However, due to Young’s ability to generate points, Atlanta could aim even higher. In this case, that means going after Franz Wagner. In 2024-25, the 2021 No. 8 pick averaged 24.2 points and 4.7 assists per game.
© Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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