The Atlanta Hawks are trying to build around Trae Young. Who could blame them? Young is one of the best playmakers in the NBA. Yet, building around him has been easier said than done. For all of his talents, Young is one of the worst defenders in the league.
So, conventional wisdom would dictate that they should put quality defensive players around Young. The Hawks have tried that.
In all likelihood, it was the logic that led them to acquire Dejounte Murray last summer. Last season, the fit between him and Young looked questionable on the offensive end of the floor.
What should the Hawks do? Well, it’s tempting to suggest that they need to get more defensive players. What if they took another route? Could the Hawks land another offensive star instead? Could that star be Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz?
The Trade Proposal
Atlanta Hawks receive: F DeAndre Hunter, 2024 First Round Pick (Lottery Protected – SAC via ATL), 2029 First-Round Pick (ATL), 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap – ATL)
Utah Jazz receive: F Lauri Markkanen
Of course, finding the right player to build around is extremely difficult. There are 30 teams in the NBA, and only ten players in the league’s top ten players. If you don’t have one, winning an NBA title is going to be difficult.
Look at the Jazz. Markkanen had a breakout season last year. He was the league’s most improved player. Still, the Jazz were far from the title picture.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, Atlanta Hawks Updates
They didn’t even make the playoffs. Do the Jazz have their franchise player? That remains to be seen. The Jazz don’t have to rush to move Markkanen. He’s excellent, and he’s young.
At the same time, they could justify moving him. Are they getting enough for him here?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
Why would the Jazz trade Markkanen? We’ll give you a few reasons. Ron Holland. Cooper Flagg. Cameron Boozer. The Jazz do this deal to tank.
They also do it to add to their already impressive collection of draft capital. Following this move, the Jazz could seek to draft their franchise player.
Once they’ve done that, they’ll be in a prime position to trade for his co-star. Losing Markkanen stings, but it could give the Jazz a clearer plan for the future.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, Atlanta Hawks Updates
Finally, Hunter is a solid 3-and-D wing. He’s also young enough to be a key role player for this team once they’ve landed that franchise player. Should the Hawks give him up?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
This may seem counterintuitive to some Gawks fans. Markkanen is a dynamic offensive player, but on defense he is average – at best. Why would the Hawks pair him with Young?
Well, the offensive dynamic ought to be potent. A floor-spacing forward like Markkanen is a perfect co-star for Young. He may open the floor up for Murray as well. Markkanen can create driving lanes for each of the Hawks’ playmakers in pick-and-pop actions.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, Atlanta Hawks Updates
Besides, he’s serviceable on defense. This is a talent grab for Atlanta: if the fit doesn’t work, they could look to trade Murray – or even Young. For now, they should see how Markkanen looks next to their franchise player.
