The NBA trade deadline has passed. That doesn’t mean that trade rumors will cease. We’re already thinking about what might happen around the league this summer.
Keep an eye on quiet deadline teams. Sure, they didn’t make a move. They may be preparing for an offseason blockbuster. Teams that were expected to sell and didn’t at the deadline may be preparing for a big summer move.
Take the Atlanta Hawks. They were expected to move Dejounte Murray at the deadline, but they didn’t. Recently, it’s been suggested that they may be considering moving Trae Young this summer instead. Could they send him to the Brooklyn Nets?
NBA Trade Proposal
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F/C Ben Simmons, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2027 First-Round Pick (Top 8 Protected – PHI via BKN), 2029 First-Round Pick (DAL via BKN)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Trae Young
Every team in the league needs a plan. They need to know what lens they’re using. Are they trying to win now, or are they focused on the future?
In theory, each of these teams is using a short-term lens. Yet, they’re each in very different positions. The Hawks have poured their assets into this current core. They’re in win-now mode because they have precious little to build toward the future.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks Updates
By contrast, the Nets have assets. They have a lot of draft capital – but they don’t have their own picks. The Nets owe control of their draft to the Houston Rockets through to 2027. Could adding Young help them avoid sending them lottery picks?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
The Nets were supposed to be a stout defensive team with a poor offense this year. That hasn’t been the case. This team is struggling to get stops in 2023-24.
Adding Young won’t help matters on that end. He’s one of the worst defenders in the NBA. At the same time, he’s a perfect fit with this roster offensively. The Nets can surround Young with 3-and-D wings, and if they retain Nicolas Claxton, they’ll have a ready-made pick-and-roll partner for him.
Now, suppose the defense clicks despite Young? Suddenly, the Nets could be among the better two-way teams in the NBA.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks Updates
This deal has them adding the primary playmaker they’re missing – the Nets should be dark horse contenders if they make this deal. Where does it leave the Hawks?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
Every team needs a plan. At the same time, preserving flexibility is wise. A team may have a plan with a contingency. That’s what the Hawks would be giving themselves here.
Who knows? They could stay competitive without Young. After all, they’ll still have Murray on the roster. When healthy, Simmons has been a solid contributor in 2023-24 as well. This deal could keep the Hawks in the playoff hunt. If so, they could use this draft capital to make a trade for another star.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks Updates
Alternatively, they could also trade Murray. In that event, the Hawks will be rebuilding. Either way, adding three first-round picks and a soon-to-expire contract makes sense. Don’t be surprised if the Hawks make a major splash this summer.
