NBA teams have several means of acquiring talent. They can look to the draft, free agency, or the trade market. Out of all of those avenues, the draft is the safest one. It provides teams with a means of acquiring marquee talent on a budget without surrendering assets.
All of which makes draft capital very valuable. We’ve seen first-round picks grease the wheels on plenty of blockbuster deals. They’re among the most valuable assets in the NBA.
By that standard, the Utah Jazz are rich. They’ve got one of the most impressive collections of draft capital in the league. Could they spend some of it on Trae Young this summer?
The Trade Proposal
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G Collin Sexton, G/F Talen Horton-Tucker, G/F Ochai Agbaji, 2024 First-Round Pick (CLE via UTA), 2025 First-Round Pick (MIN via UTA), 2026 First-Round Pick (UTA), 2027 First-Round Pick (Top-4 Protected – LAL via UTA)
Utah Jazz Receive: G Trae Young
In a sense, draft capital is a lot like money. You can spend it. That’s what it’s there for. At the same time, you’d prefer to spend it wisely.
The Atlanta Hawks spent some draft capital last summer. They sent the San Antonio Spurs three unprotected first-round picks in exchange for Dejounte Murray. Did they spend it wisely?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Trae Young, Utah Jazz & Atlanta Hawks Updates
It’s hard to say. The Hawks acquired Murray in an effort to mitigate Trae Young’s poor perimeter defence. Unfortunately, the duo didn’t look like a natural pairing on the offensive end of the floor this season. Could the Hawks move Young as a result?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
It’s possible. In fact, there have been rumours that the Hawks could move Young. Apparently, there’s uncertainty in the organization about his locker room presence. We don’t know if that’s true, but if it is, that’s a solid reason to move Young.
In this deal, they’re receiving a few quality young players. Sexton was on a star trajectory just a few years ago – he could return to form on the Hawks. Horton-Tucker and Agbaji have shown potential as well.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Trae Young, Utah Jazz & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Still, the Hawks primarily do this deal for the draft capital. They’re getting four unprotected first-round picks. That makes up the draft capital they moved to land Murray plus one extra pick. Should the Jazz sink that much into Young?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
It’s a fair question. In part, it boils down to whether the Jazz have concerns about Young’s locker room presence. If they do, they may pass on this. On the other hand, if they don’t, the Hawks shouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger here. This deal makes them a lot better.
After all, this Jazz team is already good. Lauri Markkanen was a star in 2022-23. He’s definitely qualified to be a second option in this league.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Trae Young, Utah Jazz & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Meanwhile, we know Young can pilot a strong offence. With all of the quality auxiliary pieces the Jazz have, he’d do exactly that in Utah. That might be worth all of the draft picks the Jazz are giving up here.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
