Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has blossomed into an absolute superstar for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He’s among the favorites to win the 2025 NBA MVP Award.
However, like many other superstars across the league, he could use some assistance to help the Thunder win a championship. Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young could become available this offseason, according to HoopsHype’s Mike Scotto.
“The question on the mind of executives around the league is whether or not Atlanta will commit a long-term extension to Young this summer or look to move him before having to pay him more money,” Scotto relayed.
Here’s how a trade could look:
Thunder receive: Young
Hawks receive: Isaiah Hartenstein, Nikola Topic, Jaylin Williams, 2025 First-Round Pick (via Philadelphia 76ers), 2027 First-Round Pick (OKC), 2029 First-Round Pick (OKC), and 2031 First-Round Pick (OKC)
The Sixers’ pick is top-six protected in 2025, so Philadelphia has a good chance of keeping it because they have a bottom-six record. However, that pick will be conveyed to OKC in 2026 and 2027 if it lands outside the top four.
Young and Gilgeous-Alexander could form an elite backcourt, as their skills mesh almost perfectly. The latter is an elite shot creator, especially in the midrange, so bringing Young into the fold will allow OKC’s All-Star guard to focus most of his energies on doing just that while Atlanta’s All-Star guard serves as the Thunder’s primary playmaker and three-point shooter.
The Thunder also have a plethora of elite perimeter defenders to mask Young’s deficiencies on that side of the floor and open him up to wreak havoc in the passing lanes. A lineup of Young, Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams could help OKC get over the hump in a loaded Western Conference.
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