Sports Illustrated contributor Blake Silverman has outlined a theoretical trade that would move Atlanta Hawks All-Star guard Trae Young to the Milwaukee Bucks, reshaping both rosters ahead of the next NBA transaction window.
Proposed details
Bucks would receive: Trae Young
Hawks would receive: Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, Andre Jackson Jr., and a 2026 first-round pick (least favorable of Milwaukee or New Orleans).
Milwaukee’s perspective
The Bucks have been exploring ways to fortify the roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo after last offseason’s move involving Damian Lillard. Young, earning $45.9 million this season, remains one of the league’s premier playmakers despite a dip in shooting efficiency. Silverman notes that pairing Young with Antetokounmpo—and potentially center Myles Turner, another rumored target—would immediately boost pick-and-roll pressure, lob opportunities and half-court organization.
Acquiring Young would be an aggressive offensive gamble, costing Milwaukee depth and future flexibility in exchange for a defined championship window. The guard can reach unrestricted free agency next summer if he declines his 2026-27 player option.
Atlanta’s outlook
The Hawks have quietly gauged Young’s market value since the summer as extension talks stalled and the club assessed its long-term direction. His high usage rate, costly contract and defensive concerns have all been factors in those discussions.
Silverman’s proposal supplies Atlanta with frontcourt scoring and toughness via Kuzma and Portis, plus a controllable young wing in Jackson and modest draft capital. While not a blockbuster return, the package would allow the Hawks to pivot off Young’s timeline before being forced into a decision down the road.
Remaining obstacles
The concept remains strictly hypothetical. Salary-cap mechanics, defensive fit and long-term risk would all need to be resolved before any formal negotiations could take place. Still, the scenario illustrates how both franchises might align incentives: Milwaukee doubles down on winning with Giannis, and Atlanta initiates a reset without its longtime floor general.
Source: Hoops Wire
