The Atlanta Hawks are collecting wins without injured point guard Trae Young, and that success is fueling fresh trade speculation. A proposal outlined by Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus suggests a straight swap that would send Young to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for LaMelo Ball.
Why the idea is gaining traction
Atlanta has taken seven of its last 10 games and sits only one game behind second place in the Eastern Conference. During that stretch, the Hawks have posted a top-three defensive rating, a marked improvement since Young left the lineup.
On ESPN’s “The Hoop Collective” podcast, Tim MacMahon said the franchise may monitor this new defensive surge “for several weeks” before deciding its next move. If the winning trend continues, the front office could consider a major roster pivot, according to MacMahon.
The salary fit
Young’s $46 million salary is difficult to match, but Ball’s contract brings the numbers close enough for a one-for-one trade. Ball is three years younger than Young, stands 6-foot-7, and offers more size on defense, though both guards are known for high-usage playmaking.
Player comparison
Trae Young: four-time All-Star; career averages of 25 points and 9 assists.
LaMelo Ball: career marks of 21 points and 7 assists.
Risk factors for both teams
Ball has struggled with availability, appearing in just 35 games per season on average over the last three years and already missing six of Charlotte’s 14 contests this season. Young, while currently sidelined, has been the more durable player overall.
Charlotte would gain an immediate scoring jolt alongside Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, and the rest of its young core. If the pairing does not work, the Hornets could benefit from significant cap space once Young’s contract expires, Pincus noted.
For now, the idea remains hypothetical, but as long as the Hawks keep winning without their star guard, trade chatter around Young is expected to persist.
Source: Hoops Wire
