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Why a Spurs-Hawks trade to team up Trae Young, Victor Wembanyama is unlikely

Originally posted on ClutchPoints | By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated 5/13/24

The 2024 NBA Draft lottery worked out incredibly well for the Atlanta Hawks, who ended up with the top overall draft pick. As a result, trade rumors have begun as Alex Sarr is almost certain to be the first player selected this year. One rumor that has begun to circulate is a potential San Antonio Spurs pairing of Victor Wembanyama and Trae Young.

Young, whose name will be in plenty of trade rumors this summer, would be an intriguing fit next to Wembanyama. However, those talks might not be very likely, per a report from Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype.

“While some have floated the idea of the Spurs trading for Young in the media, league sources said the Hawks and Spurs didn’t have substantive conversations about such a trade before the deadline. Time will tell in the coming months if that changes. However, heading into the lottery, those same league sources cast doubt regarding that changing in the future.”

So, anybody thinking of what a Trae Young-Victor Wembanyama Spurs pairing would look like might want to put that dream to bed (although it’s certainly an entertaining idea). Dejounte Murray has also been on the trade block and was during the season, so Atlanta could be opening up shop for Young and/or Murray ahead of the draft as they decide which direction to go in next.

Trae Young trade buzz picking up

Trae Young David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The Hawks season came to an end in the Play-In Tournament, so the offseason began earlier than they were hoping for. And once again, Trae Young is the center of trade discussions. The most likely outcome seems to be a deal that sends Young to the Los Angeles Lakers to team up with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, although that remains to be seen.

As for the Spurs, they got the No. 4 pick and the No. 8 pick in this year’s draft, so they have a chance to add two top-10 players or find a way to deal a pick or two to bring in even more talent. Finding a way to give the Rookie of the Year some help on the roster has to be a top priority for the Spurs this offseason, especially after finishing with a 22-60 record, just one game ahead of the Portland Trail Blazers for the last spot in the Western Conference.

Still, the thought of the Spurs pairing Wembanyama with a player of Young’s caliber is certainly worth considering, but as of now there haven’t been many discussions between the two sides. Things can certainly change over the course of the next few weeks leading up to the 2024 NBA Draft, but those thinking about Young coming to San Antonio might not want to consider it too much of a reality.

This article first appeared on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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