6) Trae Young-filled rumor mill awaits Atlanta
For the Hawks, it's the same old story. 2024-25 was another season of confusion for the franchise and its fanbase, as the team won enough to reach the Play-In but still remains far from contention. A midseason trade of De'Andre Hunter signaled a potential path to rebuilding, but the team acquired Terance Mann, Caris LeVert, and Georges Niang. Additionally, Atlanta opted to keep veterans Clint Capela, Larry Nance Jr., and franchise star Trae Young. But for Young, this offseason is no different.
Involved in various trade rumors each of the last few seasons, the Hawks' franchise figurehead continued to do his thing, increasing his assists per game for the sixth straight season since dating back to the conclusion of his rookie year. A three-time All-Star and one-time All-NBA member, the 26-year-old appears locked in to Atlanta long-term. Despite that, teams will come calling for Young.
After strong seasons from Onyeka Okongwu, rookie Zaccharie Risacher (first overall pick), and Most Improved Player award winner Dyson Daniels, the Hawks like the overall future of their core. But, if the team opts for a rebuild, trading Young could vault Atlanta into contention heading into the back half of the 2020s and heading into the 2030s.
With two projected 2025 first-rounders (Lakers and Kings top-12 protected), the Hawks have a chance to compile draft assets if they move their sharpshooter.
5) LaMelo Ball being traded is the key to Charlotte's rebuild
Another trade scenario building steam pertains to Charlotte's LaMelo Ball. Despite voicing his commitment to Charlotte, Ball's future with the Hornets remains uncertain. While Ball's talent can't be denied, his constant injuries and lack of winning put the organization in a tricky situation.
Ball is determined to build a winner in Charlotte, but that decision could come from the franchise, not Ball. The Hornets, too, seem poised to create a winning culture with Ball as one of their franchise pieces.
In five years of the 'LaMelo Ball' era, the franchise guard has collected just one All-Star nomination, alongside a Rookie of the Year award. Even with career averages of 21 points, six assists, seven rebounds, and nearly two steals per game, Ball's availability (lack thereof) has essentially made him a non-factor.
In his first five seasons, Ball has played 51, 75, 36, 22, and 47 games, totaling 169 missed games out of 400. Additionally, the team has lost a whopping 179 games, the most in that stretch. Several teams could be suitors for Ball, who just completed year one of his five-year, $204 million max rookie contract extension. In the last year of that deal, 2028-29, Ball will make nearly $47 million.
With so many games missed and so much untapped potential yet to be discovered, a new home for Ball could be all he needs to remind the basketball world of his talents. In Charlotte, a fresh start with another lottery pick, Brandon Miller, and its remaining youth could be a breakthrough for the Hornets.