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[Saba Sports News] Trae Young, the Atlanta Hawks’ offensive powerhouse, might find his way to the Western Conference, but not with the Los Angeles Lakers. According to Marc Stein, a seasoned NBA journalist, the San Antonio Spurs have emerged as a potential trade destination for Young, a notion that’s been floating around for months among those in the know. Stein also notes Young’s interest in the Spurs as a possible new home.
As a three-time All-Star, Young has demonstrated his prowess on the offensive side, averaging 27.1 points and a career-high 10.8 assists this season. However, his defensive challenges and the mismatched dynamic with teammate Dejounte Murray in Atlanta suggest a change could be beneficial. With the Hawks opting to retain Murray at the trade deadline, speculation about Young’s future and possible offseason trade discussions have intensified.
The Spurs, in the midst of rebuilding, seem an unlikely match for Young, considering his age (26 by next season) and the accelerated timeline his presence might impose. Yet, their roster includes Victor Wembanyama, a 7-foot-4 talent who could synergize well with Young, especially in pick-and-roll situations, and help mitigate Young’s defensive shortcomings. With a relatively low payroll, San Antonio could easily accommodate Young’s remaining contract of three years and $138 million.
San Antonio’s roster, brimming with young talent including Jeremy Sochan, Tre Jones, Devin Vassell, and Malaki Branham, along with other assets, positions the Spurs as a compelling suitor for Young. This assortment of young players, coupled with potential moves San Antonio could make, lays a promising foundation for acquiring Young in the summer.