Trae Young on the Move: 5 Teams Who Should Be Interested
Ben DiGiacomo
Host · Writer
Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets are actively looking for someone to become the face of their franchise and compete with the New York Knicks in the Big Apple. Who is better than one of the Knicks' biggest villains, Trae Young? What the Nets currently have on their roster isn’t good enough to make the postseason. Mikal Bridges didn’t leap as many anticipated, bringing his future into question, too. The Nets don’t have many tradable assets, so some sort of three-way deal that sends Bridges elsewhere and picks to Atlanta could be a win-win for all parties involved.
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic have a clear need for an impact player at the point guard position. It’s hard to imagine they'll find a better one than Trae Young in the draft anytime. The fit may not be ideal alongside Paolo Banchero offensively, but stars make things work. The talent is there for a chance to be taken. Jamahl Mosely has established a defensive philosophy that would allow Young’s shortcomings on D to be masked, something that the Hawks’ proved incapable of doing in years past. Orlando has the assets and the need, so the fit makes too much sense not to explore a deal.
San Antonio Spurs
Trae Young has been linked to the San Antonio Spurs for a while now as San Antonio is looking to give Victor Wembanyama a star-level running mate. Whether the Spurs are genuinely interested remains to be seen, but they certainly should explore the possibility. It’s unclear if Young would be willing to defer to Wembanyama on the offensive end and fully embrace the role of being a No. 2 option. Still, a dynamic big man and playmaking point guard has been a championship formula since the dawn of basketball.
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Toronto Raptors
Masai Ujiri and the Toronto Raptors have been willing to make big splashes in the past, and they like the team they are building north of the border. Toronto needs not only a star-level talent but also an impact player at the point. I’d be interested to see how Trae Young and Scottie Barnes play off each other, with RJ Barrett as a respectable third option long-term. Immediately, this group would break into the playoffs next season with Young on board, something the Raptors’ brass are in a rush to accomplish.
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Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers making a play for Trae Young rumors have been running rampant for a while. The Lakers are looking to make one final push for the NBA Finals with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but in reality, a deal isn’t possible unless a third team is involved. LA lacks the assets to win a bidding war for Young’s services, but in the era of stars forcing their way, Young's demand to become a Laker isn’t out of the question. Should Young become available, LA would be immediately interested, but I still struggle to see the feasibility.
Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets are actively looking for someone to become the face of their franchise and compete with the New York Knicks in the Big Apple. Who is better than one of the Knicks' biggest villains, Trae Young? What the Nets currently have on their roster isn’t good enough to make the postseason. Mikal Bridges didn’t leap as many anticipated, bringing his future into question, too. The Nets don’t have many tradable assets, so some sort of three-way deal that sends Bridges elsewhere and picks to Atlanta could be a win-win for all parties involved.
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic have a clear need for an impact player at the point guard position. It’s hard to imagine they'll find a better one than Trae Young in the draft anytime. The fit may not be ideal alongside Paolo Banchero offensively, but stars make things work. The talent is there for a chance to be taken. Jamahl Mosely has established a defensive philosophy that would allow Young’s shortcomings on D to be masked, something that the Hawks’ proved incapable of doing in years past. Orlando has the assets and the need, so the fit makes too much sense not to explore a deal.
