Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal 

The Hawks probably don’t do this deal. Let’s be realistic. 

They probably fire Nate McMillan. More broadly, they probably do whatever is necessary to appease Young. For now. 

The suggestion that the Hawks are unhappy with Young’s brand of leadership doesn’t sit well. This is supposed to be their franchise player in the distant future. If they don’t trust him, that’s a concern – they’ve already handed him the keys. 

This deal has them snatching it back. It’s also got them landing Wendell Carter Jr, five unprotected first-round picks, and a swap.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks & Orlando Magic Updates

In the event that they’re forced to move Young, that’s good value: 

And even if they’re not forced to, they may want to consider getting ahead of the problem.