An NBA team needs to have an identity. Perhaps they’re trying to outscore you. On the other hand, they may be trying to stop you from scoring. Either way, they’ve got an identity.
The Atlanta Hawks have mostly built their identity around Trae Young. He’s the sun, moon, and stars for this team. Young is one of the best playmakers in the NBA, but he’s a poor defender. The Hawks have been living with that. In fact, they’ve even tried to build around Young by surrounding him with strong defenders.
Sure. What if the Hawks simply opted for a defensive identity instead? They’ve already got most of the work done to establish one. If they traded Young, they could have quality defenders all over the roster. Could they send him to the Los Angeles Clippers?
The Trade Proposal
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Paul George, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAC)
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G Trae Young, F Saddiq Bey
With that said, a team doesn’t only need an identity. They also need some luck. If a team’s luck is bad enough, they may not even be able to establish their identity. Just ask the Los Angeles Clippers.
This team has a clear identity. The Clippers have a deep platoon of 3-and-D wings. It helps when your two best players fit that description. George and Kawhi Leonard are 3-and-D wings who can also create their shots. Unfortunately, they’ve had horrific injury luck over the last few years. Leonard and George are both hurt regularly.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angles Clippers, Trae Young & Atlanta Hawks Updates
It renders their identity moot. When you think about the Clippers, what do you think about? Injuries. That has to be the worst identity that a team could have. Could acquiring Young help the Clippers change their identity?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
Sometimes, you need a change. That’s where the Clippers are. They may not make it now, but if they have another injury-riddled 2023-24 season, they’ll have to make it later. Here, we’ve got them getting ahead of the curve.
That’s not to say this is a risk-free decision. It isn’t. The Clippers are extremely light on draft capital. Following this deal, they’ll have none left to move. Meanwhile, Young is among the league’s worst defenders. If the Clippers traded George and a pick to acquire him, they’d be committing to him long-term.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angles Clippers, Trae Young & Atlanta Hawks Updates
It’s one worth making. Young is still one of the best offensive players in basketball. Meanwhile, the Clippers play in Los Angeles. By having Young on the team, they’ll be able to attract star talent in the future. In the present, they may have the defensive players to cover for his limitations. Young and Leonard make for a logical pairing in that sense. Should the Hawks help the Clippers put that duo together?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
Atlanta’s plan to build around Young was to acquire Dejounte Murray. If Young is one of the league’s worst defenders, why not have him share a backcourt with one of the league’s best defensive guards? That made sense – on the defensive end, anyway. Unfortunately, the pair of ball-dominant point guards appeared to be a questionable fit on offense in 2022-23.
Here’s the good news: the Hawks already have a point guard. They can afford to trade Young with Murray on the roster. Following this deal, they’d have plus defenders at every position in their starting lineup. They’d also add one of the best shot-creating, 3-and-D wings in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angles Clippers, Trae Young & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Finally, the Hawks gave up a lot of draft capital to land Murray. Here, they’re getting a first-rounder back for taking on a much older player than Young. This is a deal worth making for Atlanta. If nothing else, it gives them a new identity.
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