An NBA writer suggested that the Orlando Magic should pursue acquiring Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks this offseason. Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report proposed a trade involving Young for Cole Anthony, Anthony Black, Jett Howard, a 2025 first-round pick (via Denver), a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2029 first-round pick swap.
The Hawks are reportedly considering trading Young this offseason. A top scorer and passer in the NBA, Young averaged 25.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 10.8 assists this season, shooting 43.0% from the field, 37.3% from three-point range, and 85.5% from the free-throw line. He recorded 37 double-doubles in 54 games.
“Despite consistent criticism of Trae Young’s ball-dominance and defensive weaknesses, he remains one of the league’s most reliable and dynamic offensive players,” Bailey wrote. “His ability to create easy scoring opportunities would greatly benefit Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.”
Bailey acknowledged that balancing shot attempts among Young, Banchero, and Wagner might require adjustment, but he emphasized the high potential of this trio, especially alongside defenders like Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Isaac, and Wendell Carter Jr.
Young signed a five-year, $215 million extension with the Hawks in August 2021. He will earn $43 million next season and $45 million in 2025-26. At 26 years old, Young holds career averages of 25.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 9.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.2 blocks. Notably, his contract does not include a no-trade clause.
Recently, Young switched his representation from Klutch Sports Group to CAA. The Hawks failed to make the 2024 playoffs, while the Magic were eliminated in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games.
Bailey added, “For the Hawks, this isn’t necessarily a win-now trade that Dejounte Murray might prefer, but a core featuring Murray, Bogdan Bogdanović, Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu, and the new talent from this deal would not leave them much further from contention than they currently are.”
