The Atlanta Hawks are one of the NBA’s hottest teams since Thanksgiving, but that doesn’t mean they’re taking their superstar guard off the trade block.
In a league where two-way wings are so important, Atlanta plans to build a future around Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels.
Trae Young doesn’t factor into that plan (necessarily), which is why the Hawks would be willing to part ways with the three-time All-Star point guard if they can get a favorable return.
Meanwhile in Orlando, the Magic are more than staying afloat without Paolo Banchero. Orlando (17-10) was third in the East entering Wednesday, but if they could add one more star to the Banchero/Franz Wagner/Jalen Suggs core, serious contention would be within view.
Is Young the missing piece for the Magic?
Orlando could call up Atlanta and offer a package of Jonathan Isaac, Cole Anthony, and a 2030 first-round pick to get the conversation started.
Isaac is a valuable defender who would benefit the Hawks right away. Anthony would fit into the Hawks’ rotation nicely, too, especially if Young was gone.
Would this package be enough for Atlanta to bite? Young is likely to attract other, high-profile suitors like the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, so it’s not difficult to imagine Orlando being outbid.
Nonetheless, it can’t hurt the Magic to get an offer on the table. Young’s days in Atlanta are likely numbered.
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