Some NBA players are difficult to build around. At the same time, they may be so talented that it’s worth building around them anyway – or at least, it’s worth trying to build around them.
Take Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks. He’s one of the best playmakers in the NBA. Young is a one-man offensive system. He is talented enough to build an NBA team around.
Yet, building around Young isn’t necessarily easy. He’s a defensive liability who needs the ball to succeed. Perhaps that’s why the Hawks are said to be open to moving him this summer. Could they send him to the Chicago Bulls?
NBA Trade Proposal
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Zach LaVine, 2026 First-Round Pick (CHI), 2028 First-Round Pick (CHI)
Chicago Bulls Receive: G Trae Young
The Hawks tried to build around Young. They had a plan. This team tried to surround Young with 3-and-D wings and a defensive anchor. What happened?
Well, Cam Reddish didn’t work out. That was a problem. In theory, he was supposed to be a 3-and-D wing who could create shots. When he wasn’t that player, Atlanta’s heliocentric offense became easier to solve.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls Updates
Perhaps that’s why they acquired Dejounte Murray. He was supposed to be the team’s second option who also guarded the point of attack. With that said, the fit between him and Murray has been poor. Could the Hawks send him to the Bulls this summer?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
Young is a distressed asset. With that said, he’ll have more trade value than LaVine. He seems to be viewed as a one-dimensional scorer with minimal trade value around the league.
Still, he should be a better fit alongside Murray. LaVine is a more natural off-ball player. His athleticism makes him a better cutter, and he’s more inclined to hunt perimeter shots by navigating screens.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls Updates
So, this could be a case of addition by subtraction for the Hawks. If it isn’t, they’ll at least have two new first-round picks to make moves with. Should the Bulls send those picks?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Murray and LaVine should be a better fit than Young and Murray. With that said, it’s hard to imagine a better fit than Young and Alex Caruso. Caruso may be the best defensive guard in basketball.
That doesn’t mean the Bulls should rush into this deal. The defensive fit between Young and Nikola Vucevic could be problematic. On the other hand, that pair could make beautiful music on the offensive end. Pairing Young with a stretch big like Vucevic would put opponents in a difficult spot
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls Updates
Should the Bulls rebuild? Probably. Yet, this front office seems hesitant to make that move. If they are, acquiring Young should at least make them a more potent offensive team – even if building around him is difficult.
