Lakers, Spurs linked to a possible Trae Young trade in the summer

When the Hawks reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, many believed they were primed to remain a contender for years, riding on the back of their blossoming star -- Trae Young. However, a lot has gone wrong for the franchise over the past few years, with Young unable to carry Atlanta past the first round in 2022 and 2023. This year, the Hawks (22-29) are once again scrambling for relevancy, sitting seven games below .500 and barely clinging onto the 10th seed and a play-in berth.

If the Hawks flame out of the first round again, or worse yet, fail to make the postseason, the word on the street is that they will make Young and most of their roster available for trades this summer. According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Young's future in Atlanta hinges on the next few months.

"There are several front offices that listened to Atlanta's pre-deadline chatter and came away from conversations with the Hawks of the belief Trae Young could become available for trade this summer -- depending on Atlanta's outcome for the remainder of this campaign," he wrote.

It was previously reported by ESPN's Dave McMenamin that the Lakers would be willing to offer three first-round picks and Austin Reaves to the Hawks with hopes of landing Young. According to Fischer, the Spurs could emerge as another suitor for the point guard this summer.

"…One spot other than Los Angeles that's repeatedly been mentioned by NBA figures as a potential home for Young -- if Atlanta were to ever consider parting with its franchise face and All-Star lead ball-handler -- is San Antonio. The Spurs do lack a clear-cut pick-and-roll partner for rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama."

Young is represented by Klutch Sports, the talent agency that also represents Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Furthermore, James has been a vocal supporter of Young over the years.