A good NBA general manager has a plan. A great one knows when to pivot from that plan. Sometimes, circumstances change. You’ve got to be willing to change with them. Otherwise, you may miss out on opportunities.
For example, look at the Atlanta Hawks. This team planned on signing Dejounte Murray to complement Trae Young. They struggled in their first year together, and the Hawks extended Murray anyway. Could they trade Young?
Meanwhile, look at the Washington Wizards. This team traded Bradley Beal this summer. Yet, they extended Kyle Kuzma. Most fans are expecting them to undergo a lengthy rebuild… Could they trade for Young?
The Trade Proposal
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G Tyus Jones, G Delon Wright, F Danilo Gallinari, G/F Johnny Davis, 2026 First-Round Pick (WAS), 2028 First-Round Pick (WAS), 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap – WAS), 2030 First-Round Pick (WAS)
Washington Wizards Receive: G Trae Young
On the other hand, a great GM knows when not to pivot as well. Sometimes, it’s best to stick to a plan. Abandoning one too early can be a decision that a team regrets for a long time.
Should the Hawks give up on Young and Murray already? So what if they had an underwhelming season together? The Hawks may reason that it’s worth seeing if they can succeed with a full season together under new coach Quinn Snyder.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Washington Wizards & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Should the Wizards abandon their rebuild already? Sure, Young would make them a better team next season. Is he worth abandoning their long-term plan for?
Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal
It’s certainly debatable. This is not an obvious decision for the Wizards. After all, they just traded Beal. The Wizards drafted Bilal Coulibaly with the first lottery pick of their post-Beal era. He’s got a lot of upside, but he’s also raw.
At the same time, Young isn’t exactly old. The Wizards wouldn’t be acquiring him with title expectations. They’d simply be accelerating their timeline by acquiring a franchise player now rather than later.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Washington Wizards & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Is it the smartest move? Perhaps not. Still, the Wizards have had trouble garnering interest – this is not a nationally popular team. If they don’t have the stomach for a long-term rebuild, they could pivot. Could the Hawks?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
Meanwhile, this isn’t exactly the trade one might picture for Young, either. If the Hawks are moving them, odds are, they’ll be looking for a star wing. This deal doesn’t net them one. In fact, it’s got them acquiring another point guard to pair with Murray.
Still, Jones is much different from Young. He’s lower usage, and more comfortable operating off the ball. This duo could work. More broadly, this is about accumulating assets and shedding Young’s contract for the Hawks.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Washington Wizards & Atlanta Hawks Updates
If they feel that their current group has a limited ceiling, flipping him for three unprotected first-round picks and a swap might be appealing. Even if it means pivoting from their plans.
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