Something may be complicated. It may be worth your time anyway. If someone asks you to describe a relationship, and you say, “It’s complicated,” you can expect a side-eye. Still, it may be worth it to you anyway. Some NBA players are the same.
They may be complicated to build around. On the other hand, they may be so talented that it’s worth trying to do so. For example, look at Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks. He’s an outstanding offensive talent – and a major defensive liability.
Lately, it seems possible that the Hawks are growing tired of trying to build around him. With the team likely facing two consecutive disappointing first-round exits without much of an outlook for improvement, could any of these three teams try their luck?
Boston Celtics
In all likelihood, the Boston Celtics won’t rush to trade for Young. On the other hand, Jaylen Brown may request a trade this summer. If he does, the Celtics may be forced to entertain desperate measures. Trading him for Young could be the right one.
Offensively, this will be a better fit for Boston. The Celtics could use some playmaking, and Young is among the best passers in the NBA. The trade-off will come defensively.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks & Boston Celtics Updates
Still, the Celtics may have the roster the compensate for Young’s defensive shortcomings. With a healthy Robert Williams III, this move could actually improve the Celtics. Keep that defensive roster in mind. Any team trading for Young will need to have one.
Brooklyn Nets
In many ways, the Brooklyn Nets would be the perfect situation for Young. This team has a platoon of 3-and-D wings. They’ve got a solid second option in Mikal Bridges. Finally, they’ve got a versatile defensive big who can team up with Young in the pick-and-roll in Nic Claxton.
They’ve also got every incentive to improve. The Nets owe their first-round picks to the Houston Rockets through to 2027. With that in mind, they may as well move the surplus of other team’s draft capital that they do have for a star.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks & Brooklyn Nets Updates
The Hawks may not be interested in those draft picks. They have enough talent to remain competitive. To make this work, they may need to get a third team involved. In fact, that’s true of the next team as well.
Houston Rockets
Obviously, the Houston Rockets are in a vastly different position than any other team on this list. They’ve just wrapped up a season in which they were one of the worst teams in the NBA. That’s an upgrade over the previous two seasons – the Rockets were the league’s worst in each.
With that said, they’ve got their own incentive to stop tanking. The Rockets may own the Nets’ upcoming picks, but they owe their own to the Oklahoma City Thunder – with protections- in the next few drafts.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks & Houston Rockets Updates
The Rockets could make big moves this summer. Acquiring Young would be a huge one. If they can move some of their assets in a three-team deal, he could really ignite this offense. Even if he’s a little complicated to build around.
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