Report: Hawks Expected To Trade Trae Young This Summer, Lakers Will Have Serious Interest

According to NBA insider Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the Atlanta Hawks are expected to trade Trae Young this summer. 

The Los Angeles Lakers are believed to be one of the teams with serious interest in acquiring Young, who has the same agent (Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group) as LeBron James and Anthony Davis. 

“Many sources around the NBA believe Young will be on the move this summer—assuming Atlanta can find a buyer,” Pincus wrote. “Not every team needs a point guard, let alone a small one (6’1”, 164 pounds) at $43 million next season. Several just don’t like his game.

“If the Hawks decide Young is the guard to move, the Lakers are believed to be one of the teams with serious interest.”

Young signed a five-year, $215 million extension with the Hawks in August 2021. He’ll make $43 million next season and $45 million in 2025-26.

One of the best scorers and passers in the NBA, Young averaged 25.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 10.8 assists this season while shooting 43.0% from the field, 37.3% from beyond the arc and 85.5% from the free-throw line. He recorded 37 double-doubles in 54 games. 

A source told Hoops Wire that the Lakers view Young as a third star who can help them push for a championship alongside LeBron and Davis. LeBron, 39, can become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he declines his 2024-25 player option, but the four-time MVP and four-time Finals MVP is expected to remain with the Lakers.

Young, 25, holds career averages of 25.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 9.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.2 blocks. He doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract. 

Young and Dejounte Murray are both represented by Paul. The Hawks acquired Murray from the San Antonio Spurs in June 2022. Atlanta is only 55-62 when Young and Murray are in the lineup. 

The Hawks face the Chicago Bulls in the 9-10 play-in tournament game, while the Lakers take on the New Orleans Pelicans in the 7-8 play-in game.

Atlanta went 36-46 this season and Los Angeles went 47-35.