This Trae Young trade actually isn’t terrible for the Hawks

The Hawks have a big offseason ahead, but one thing that isn’t expected is a Trae Young trade.

The club is hiring a new lead man in the front office after firing Landry Fields and promoting Onsi Saleh to general manager. The search for a President of Basketball Operations will lead into what should be quite an eventful Summer.

The Hawks have the young pieces and draft capital to make a move to pair Young with another star. They could also choose the internal development route and continue to watch Atlanta’s core of Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, Dyson Daniels, and Onyeka Okongwu grow together.

But one thing nobody in the fan base is expecting is a Trae Young trade. For the first time in a couple of years, it seems there’s finally certainty around his future in Atlanta. The star point guard is up for an extension, and many Hawks fans were unsure he’d even be willing to sign a new long-term contract. That was until a report surfaced that he does indeed want to be with the organization.

According to Chris Haynes, “He (Trae Young) is down with the process, he wants to see this Atlanta Hawks squad turn the corner, and he wants to be a pivotal part in that.”

But what if a team blows the Hawks away with an offer? A Trae Young trade hypothetical from Clutch Points is actually not that bad and worth mulling over.

Rockets receive: Trae Young

Hawks receive: Fred VanVleet, Reed Sheppard, 2025 first-round pick (via Suns), 2027 first-round pick (via Suns), 2028 first-round pick (top 4 protected)

The Hawks land three first-round picks, a veteran point guard to replace Young in Fred VanVleet, and a former 3rd overall pick in Reed Sheppard.

The Suns’ first-rounder could be quite valuable depending on what Phoenix does this offseason with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, and that 2027 first-rounder could be even more of a prize if they blow things up.

Sheppard was someone I was quite high on when the Hawks won the NBA Draft lottery a year ago, but a deep Rockets roster prevented the sharpshooter from seeing much playing time. He does have immense potential, though.

I’m not saying the Hawks should make this trade, but if teams come to the table with deals like these, they will undoubtedly be considered. A move like this would still keep the Hawks competitive, but also give the club immense possibilities for the future, which is an advantage in a wide open Eastern Conference.