NBA Trades: 12 perfect playmakers the Spurs must consider pairing with Wembanyama

5) Trae Young

Of the names mentioned thus far, Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young's name keeps being linked to the Spurs, though according to Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer that may be overstated. Still, it appears that Wembanyama was trying to recruit him at all-star weekend and numerous reports that the Hawks may be open to moving Young.

Thanks to a previous trade with the Spurs, the Hawks are pigeonholed into a tough spot. They are a low-seed, first-round exit playoff team at best and don't have control of their first-round pick from 2025 until 2028.

That might prevent Atlanta from trading Young to any team other than the Spurs, who are the team that controls those picks. San Antonio doesn't necessarily have to trade those selections back in a hypothetical deal with the Hawks. Instead, they could potentially hold onto Atlanta's unprotected 2025 first in the hopes that it turns into a high lottery pick in a good draft.

Atlanta may not have the option of playing hardball either, with other stars potentially becoming available this summer, including an arguably more talented point guard as well as a future Hall of Famer. If Atlanta caves and trades Young to the Spurs, potentially for as many as three first-rounders, Zach Collins, Devonte Graham, and Tre Jones, San Antonio should be a playoff team next season.

After all, Young is an elite offensive player who can put up points in droves while also setting up big men for high-percentage lobs. Those skills would translate to San Antonio, where he could form an amazing one-two punch with Wembanyama for years to come.