What would the plan look like if the Hawks were to move off Trae Young?

Trae Young is in limbo these days with a $49 million player option for next season, which the Hawks have some indirect control over.

No, they don’t control the option, but their unwillingness to give him an extension allows them to pivot toward budding star Jalen Johnson, who has become the best player on the team.

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In essence, the Hawks have to ask themselves whether Young is the worth the salary slot, or if they can use it in a more optimal manner, further dedicating themselves to Johnson and Dyson Daniels, who was the Most Improved Player last season.

The evolution of Nickeil Alexander-Walker isn’t making the situation any easier, as he’s broken out this season, averaging 20.3 points while acting as a defensive playmaker alongside Daniels.

So what should the Hawks do? Let’s break it down:

Forward Jalen Johnson has changed the Hawks’ priorities. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Identifying needs and building a plan

So, what type of player should the Hawks target, if Young should move on? And by all accounts, the Hawks are open to facilitate that process on their own.

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The need for a point guard would still be present, yet the player will need significant off-ball capabilities to optimize floor spacing around Johnson.

Given the large contractual hold, it also allows Atlanta to seek improved bench depth, preferably prioritizing wing depth and 3-point shooting.

Could the Hawks make a play for Chicago’s Ayo Dosunmu as a third guard, or lean into Naji Marshall from the Dallas Mavericks?

Both would be upgrades that could help push them into the postseason. It might appear as the Hawks are thinking small, and obviously the compensation level should far exceed both Dosunmu and Marshall, but the idea that Atlanta doesn’t need a heliocentric floor leader remains a solid one.

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Perhaps, then, it becomes a question of direction as opposed to identifying specific players.

Assuming Johnson, Alexander-Walker and Daniels are the current core, with the asset from the Pelicans pick being added to that pool, the Hawks could focus on the summer of 2026 and beyond, as opposed to chasing a…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/what-would-the-plan-look-like-if-the-hawks-were-to-move-off-trae-young-192958757.html

Author : Morten Stig Jensen

Publish date : 2025-12-29 19:29:00

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