The Atlanta Hawks may have a problem. Sure, Trae Young and Dejounte Murray are one of the most talented backcourts in the NBA. They don’t seem to play well together.
Is that such a surprise? This is a pair of point guards. Young and Murray are both best with the ball in their hands. There were questions when the Hawks acquired Murray, and so far, the Hawks haven’t answered those questions.
We’ll see what happens this summer. If the Hawks are successful throughout the rest of 2023-24, they may hang onto each of their point guards. If they aren’t, could they send Young to the New Orleans Pelicans?
NBA Trade Proposal
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G CJ McCollum, 2024 First-Round Pick (LAL via NOP), 2025 First-Round Pick (NOP)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G Trae Young
Fans were watching the Hawks closely at the deadline. They expected them to make a move. In the end, they were disappointed. The Hawks kept the roster that they’ve got.
Plenty of folks are questioning their logic. This team is stuck in mediocrity. Shouldn’t they do something? How can they justify hanging onto their core?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Well, this market was notoriously kind to buyers. The Hawks didn’t want to sell. More broadly, this is their first season being led by head coach Quinn Snyder. The Hawks can justify letting the rest of this season play out. What should they do if it isn’t successful?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
It’s not easy fixing Atlanta’s problems. This team gave up a tremendous amount of draft capital to land Murray. Now that it’s not working, they’re a bit stuck. The Hawks don’t have the draft capital that they need to rebuild.
Perhaps they could find a middle ground. McCollum is a solid secondary playmaker, but he’s a more conventional off-guard. He may be a better complement to Murray. This could be a case of addition by subtraction for the Hawks.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
If it isn’t? At least they’ll have some draft capital. Perhaps they’ll move Murray for some more next. The Hawks could rebuild around Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Onkongwu and look to the future. Should the Pelicans want Young in the present?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
The Pelicans are another team with a lot of talent. Still, they have needs. It’s long been suggested that New Orleans is seeking a defensive big man, but they could use a point guard as well.
So, this deal may feel counterintuitive to some. Young is a defensive liability. If the Pelicans are already concerned about their defense, why would they add Young?
Well, the Pelicans have had a strong defense for years without rim protection. This team is littered with quality defenders who can compensate for a player like Young (or Zion Williamson).
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
They could add a low-cost defence big in free agency, and adding Young should make them much more dangerous. The rest of the Western Conference may have problems if this deal goes through.
