Trae Young Trade Ideas and Landing Spots If Hawks Deal Star Guard This Season

The Atlanta Hawks were unable to reach an extension agreement with four-time All-Star guard Trae Young before the start of the 2025-26 NBA season, raising questions about his long-term future with the team. Despite postseason aspirations, the franchise appears hesitant to commit to Young, who remains eligible for an extension or free agency if his $49 million option for 2026-27 is voided.

With the NBA trade season approaching in mid-December, the Hawks might consider trading Young, though his $46 million salary poses challenges due to apron restrictions for many teams. This has led to speculation about potential trade returns, with several ideas being explored.

One proposed trade involves the Hawks acquiring LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Trae Young, forming a straightforward one-for-one swap of former All-Star point guards. In this scenario, the Hawks would avoid negotiating a new contract with Young and secure Ball, who is taller and under a four-year, $168.7 million contract, including a $2.8 million trade bonus. Both players are scoring point guards, with Young averaging 25.3 points and 9.8 assists per game, while Ball averages 21 points and 7.4 assists and would cost $41.5 million next season, less than Young's current salary. The Hornets could build around Young with young prospects like Brandon Miller and gain cap flexibility.

Another trade idea features the Hawks receiving Coby White, Kevin Huerter, Jevon Carter, and a first-round pick from the Chicago Bulls in return for Trae Young and Mouhamed Gueye. The Bulls, who have not made the playoffs since 2022, might pursue Young as a bigger move, especially since White, an emerging scorer, may become a top unrestricted free agent if not extended beyond the maximum $19.4 million offer. Huerter, Carter, and Gueye serve as filler in the deal, with Chicago likely needing to include a first-round pick, such as one from the Portland Trail Blazers in 2026 or a protected pick of their own, to entice Atlanta.