Sometimes, an NBA team needs a fresh start. Whatever they’re doing isn’t working, so it’s time to do something else. Whether that means a long-term rebuild or a short retooling process, something has got to change.
For a while, the San Antonio Spurs needed a fresh start. This team toiled in mediocrity for years following Tim Duncan’s retirement. This summer, they got the best fresh start they could ask for. With Victor Wembanyama on the roster, Spurs fans are excited for the next iteration of their team.
By contrast, the Atlanta Hawks may need a fresh start. The Trae Young era has brought mixed returns at best. Some have suggested that the Hawks could eventually look to move the star guard. Could they send him to the Spurs?
The Trade Proposal
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Keldon Johnson, G Devonte’ Graham, F/C Khem Birch, 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS), 2027 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS), 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – SAS)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G Trae Young
Typically, a fresh start means finding your franchise player. That’s not an easy process. We’ve seen teams tank for years, only to come up against bad luck in the draft continuously. That’s why Spurs fans are so pleased. They landed the most anticipated prospect to enter the NBA since LeBron James. Wembanyama should be this team’s franchise player.
Young has been the Hawks’ franchise player. That’s been a mixed blessing. He’s among the most talented playmakers in the NBA, but Young is also a massive defensive liability. There have been rumblings about his negative locker room influence as well. Is Young someone you can build a franchise around?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks & San Antonio Spurs Updates
That remains to be seen. For what it’s worth, the Hawks have been to the Eastern Conference Finals on Young’s watch. It’s possible that they haven’t paired him with the right co-star. Is Wembanyama the right co-star for him?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
If anyone is, it should be Wembanyama. He profiles as an all-time defensive eraser when he hits his prime. Wembenyama should be an elite rim protector with foot speed and wingspan to defend in space. A realized version of him will be a player who can cover for Young’s shortcomings.
Moreover, the Spurs do need a point guard. Granted, acquiring Young could be seen as overkill. This team is in the infancy stages of a rebuild. Why are they spending assets on a hyper-talented but ultimately complicated star?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Well, because Young is one of the best playmakers in the NBA. Here, the Spurs are taking a gamble on Wembanyama. If he hits his ceiling, this would be a smart decision, and the Spurs would assume he will hit his ceiling by acquiring Young. It’s a risk, but if it pays off, it could have the Spurs contending again. Should the Hawks help them get back in the title picture?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
Essentially, it depends on how much truth there is in the rumors about Young’s locker room presence. If he’s truly problematic, the Hawks may want to consider a fresh start. Aside from that Conference Finals trip, the returns on the Young era have been underwhelming.
Young is such a defensive liability that the Hawks acquired Dejounte Murray to guard the point of attack. That deal impacts the Hawks’ perspective on this deal in several ways. For starters, they’ve already got Young’s replacement in Murray. Moreover, they’re getting their draft capital back here. If they’re still mediocre after this trade, they’ll suddenly have the flexibility to trade their best players and rebuild again.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks & San Antonio Spurs Updates
In the meantime, they’re also getting Johnson. He’s a young player with some star upside who would be a good fit on these new-look Hawks. Bringing him on board makes sense if this organization wants a fresh start.
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