One NBA writer is proposing that the San Antonio Spurs acquire All-Star point guard Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks this offseason.
Our own James Piercey of NBA Analysis Network proposed that the Spurs send Keldon Johnson, Doug McDermott and three future draft picks to the Hawks for Young.
“Atlanta is getting a solid contributor in Johnson,” Piercey wrote. “For that matter, he may have star upside. Meanwhile, the Hawks would still have plenty of talent on their roster following this move. It might be enough to win. Dejounte Murray would become the full-time point guard.
“As a floor-spacing wing with shot-creating abilities, Keldon Johnson will be a more fitting co-star for him than Young. This could work. If it doesn’t? The Hawks are giving themselves the flexibility to pivot,” Piercey explained. “With their own draft capital left, they could give this group a two-year window. If it doesn’t work, then they can tank.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks & San Antonio Spurs Updates
With the Spurs adding Victor Wembanyama into the fold, the motivation would be for the team to add an elite offensive force in the backcourt to enhance the talent of their new elite prospect.
“Some Spurs fans won’t necessarily love this deal. We understand. Trae Young isn’t for everyone. He plays a specific brand of basketball, and he has been viewed as a coach killer. With that said, the Spurs may employ the one coach he couldn’t kill. Gregg Popovich is an institution in San Antonio. He isn’t going anywhere until he chooses to retire.”
“Meanwhile, he may be the coach best suited to get the most out of Young. Imagine him paired with Victor Wembanyama,” Piercey explained. “If Popovich can coach some heliocentric tendencies out of Young, that duo alone could be the basis of a championship run soon.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Young signed a five-year, $215.2 million rookie maximum extension with the Hawks in August 2021. The two-time All-Star averaged 26.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 10.2 assists this season for the Hawks while shooting 42.9% from the floor, 33.5% from beyond the arc and 88.6% from the free-throw line.
A Texas native, Young was ninth in the NBA in total points, 10th in points per game, first in total assists and second in assists per game.
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