Some puzzles are just missing one piece. If it just had that piece, it could be beautiful. Some NBA teams are like that, too. They’re a piece away from being hyper-competitive – but they need that piece.
The Brooklyn Nets could be one of those teams. They’ve got a lot going for them. The Nets have a deep platoon of elite 3-and-D wings. They’ve got one of the most versatile defensive big men in the NBA in Nicolas Claxton. Unfortunately, the Nets are missing one key piece – a primary playmaker.
Luckily, they’ve got the assets to make a move for one. The Nets have one of the most impressive collections of draft capital in the NBA. In time, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they moved some of them for a primary playmaker. Could that playmaker be Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks?
The Trade Proposal
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F/C Ben Simmons, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2029 First-Round Pick (DAL via BKN)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Trae Young
Some puzzles are just too difficult to put together. You can’t tell how many pieces the puzzle is missing. All you know is that there’s a big gap in it, and you can’t find any combination of pieces to fill it in.
Do the Atlanta Hawks have an incomplete puzzle? We wouldn’t go that far. Still, it is fair to say that this team had a disappointing season in 2022-23. Is Trae Young a difficult piece to build around? Unfortunately, that’s beginning to look like the case.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Trae Young, Brooklyn Nets & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Young is a gifted playmaker. He’s also one of the worst defenders in the NBA. Moreover, Young may cause problems in the locker room. Perhaps those are the reasons why it’s been speculated that the Hawks could eventually end up trading him. Should they send him to the Nets?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
It’s a tough call to make. The Hawks probably shouldn’t rush to move Young. They may want to see how this group looks throughout a full year under Quinn Snyder. At the same time, if the results are disappointing, the Hawks may have to consider moving on from Young.
What should they seek if they’re doing so? Above all else, draft capital. The Hawks gave up three first-round picks to acquire Dejounte Murray last summer. That’s the same number of picks that they’re getting back here. In a sense, the Hawks will have traded Young for Murray if they make this deal. That’s not so bad.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Trae Young, Brooklyn Nets & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Are we ignoring the presence of Simmons? Arguably, yes. With that said, if he can return to form, this could be a massive steal for the Hawks. if he can’t, they should still be happy to make up their lost draft capital. Should the Nets send it to them?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
We think so. In fact, we think this team is perfectly designed to suit Young. Is he a poor defender? You bet. Luckily, the Nets have got the roster to compensate for his shortcomings. With their elite rotation of 3-and-D wings alongside Claxton, the Nets can live with Young’s shortcomings.
Meanwhile, this is a dream fit on offense. Young would orchestrate this offense with impunity. Mikal Bridges would be a strong second option. This deal should put the Nets in a position to be competitive. If all goes well, they could even make a deep playoff run.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Trae Young, Brooklyn Nets & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Will they miss these picks? Sure. On the other hand, the Nets need all of their key pieces for this to work. The concept is to build a perfect heliocentric offense around Young. If they’re going to turn Simmons into Young, they’ll have to pay a premium in draft capital. We think it’s worth it – Young could be their missing piece.
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