According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Los Angeles Lakers hold interest in trading for Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young.
The Hawks are expected to consider trading Young this offseason.
“The Lakers, for example, are one team that holds interest in Young after Los Angeles held trade discussions with Atlanta about Dejounte Murray back in February, sources said,” Fischer wrote. “The Lakers are now armed with three first-round picks to pursue a premier talent to team with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but Los Angeles will have to consider other options before committing any type of capital for Young.”
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 top 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. 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.
The Hawks didn’t make the 2024 playoffs. Meanwhile, the Lakers lost in the first round to the Denver Nuggets in five games.
What would it take for the Lakers to get Young? Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Hawks and Lakers in a mock deal:
The Deal: Trae Young for Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, a 2029 first-round pick, a 2030 first-round pick swap and a 2031 first-round pick
Young was with Klutch Sports Group, the agency LeBron and Davis are with. He recently joined CAA.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!