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Blockbuster NBA Trade Idea Has Hawks Swap Trae Young for Three Former Lottery Picks

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 11:05 PM ET

There could be a change for the Atlanta Hawks this offseason after missing the NBA playoffs for the second straight year . The Hawks haven't been competitive, despite having Trae Young, the league's leader in assists per game. With the lack of a competent roster, it could be time for Atlanta to trade Young.

Last season, the Hawks had a 40-42 record and lost in the Play-In Tournament. The organization hasn't been in the conversation of being a playoff team for a while.

Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey suggested that it's time for the Hawks to consider trading the All-Star guard. Given that the front office hasn't been able to give Young enough help to contend, Bailey suggested that a fresh start with a different franchise could be the next step.

According to Bailey, the team that would benefit from Young would be the Orlando Magic. In the postseason, it became clear that the Magic need a point guard who's capable of being an elite floor general.

The blockbuster trade idea would send Young to the Magic in exchange for Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black, Jett Howard and a top-10-protected 2027 first-round pick. Acquiring the three former lottery picks could be the perfect fit for what Atlanta is trying to do.

"The Hawks have never been able to figure out how to surround him with a workable defense that can cover for his shortcomings on that end," Bailey argued. "And they're brewing their own little positionless philosophy that could benefit from Jalen Suggs' defense and a few more on-ball opportunities for the likes of Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher."

The Hawks have a promising young core in Zaccharie Risacher and Dyson Daniels. Young is the only player who doesn't fit the Hawks' timetable.

With the Hawks, Young has developed into a four-time All-Star and one of the best facilitators in the NBA. He has averaged 25.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 9.8 assists in seven seasons.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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