This year’s NBA trade deadline was as quiet as any in recent history. Around the league, there are teams who we expected to make big moves. In the end, most of them didn’t.
Take the Los Angeles Lakers. This team has been wildly disappointing in 2023-24. The Lakers have clear roster issues. How could they stand pat?
In all likelihood, the Lakers are thinking about the summer. When this offseason comes, they’ll have another future first that’s eligible to be moved. The Lakers may go star hunting. Could they make a move for Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks?
NBA Trade Proposal
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F Rui Hachimura, G/F Austin Reaves, G Gabe Vincent, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL), 2031 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Trae Young
The Lakers aren’t the only team that fans expected to make big moves at the deadline. There are plenty of teams who were unexpectedly quiet. Again – this was one of the slowest deadlines we’ve ever seen.
The Hawks are no exception. This team was widely expected to trade Dejounte Murray at the deadline. Even if they didn’t, they could have moved some other players. Instead, the Hawks kept their core intact.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
What happened here? Well, it was a buyer’s market. Players didn’t fetch significant returns, and as such, we saw fewer players move. Could the Hawks move Young at the deadline?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
The Hawks will want to see how the season plays out. If they surpass expectations, they may hang onto Young. Otherwise, the Hawks may want to hop off of the mediocrity treadmill.
This would be the way to do it. Young has shortcomings as a player – he’ll fetch Atlanta a haul, but he’s not one of the most valuable trade chips in the league. Still, two first-round picks and a swap from an aging Lakers team is a lot of value.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Still, Reaves may be the centerpiece of this return. He’s young enough to be part of a rebuilding core, and he’s already a productive player.Should the Lakers part with him?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
The Lakers have to do something – let’s start there. Assuming that this team doesn’t turn around and win the NBA title, they have to make a move. That’s the burden of having LeBron James near the end of his career.
Speaking of James – he’s near the end of his career. He could use some help in the playmaking department. Young can provide it. He’s one of the best playmakers in the NBA.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
That should be enough to get the Lakers back to title contention. Sure, they’ll be without draft capital for years to come – that’s fine. The big-market Lakers typically have no trouble attracting stars. Don’t be surprised if they make some noise this summer.
