Wembanyama reportedly open to teaming up with the Spurs' rumored top trade target
By Cal Durrett
After the shocking results of the NBA Draft lottery, it was unclear whether Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young would still be moved this summer. However, that still appears to be the case, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Hawks Expected To Pursue Trades For Trae Young https://t.co/gXoRkH5gJf
— RealGM (@RealGM) May 13, 2024
Moreover, the ESPN's Tim MacMahon has reported that San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is interested in teaming up with him. Given that it appeared that Wembanyama was actively recruiting him at the NBA all-star weekend, that's plausible and it may increase the chances that the Spurs pair Young with Wembanyama.
Victor Wembanayma 'Intrigued' By Idea Of Playing With Trae Young; per @espn_macmahon
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BASKETBALLonX) May 13, 2024
“I will say I've talked to people who know Wemby who have indicated he is at least intrigued by that idea [ of playing with Trae Young] "
[via https://t.co/0VGrmM0fyZ] pic.twitter.com/jot6ALeQLN
Actually, the Spurs have plenty of assets needed to make a deal for Young, including the Hawks own unprotected 2025 and 2027 firsts as well as a 2026 pick swap. That makes it seem like the Spurs are tailor-made to trade for Young, though the Hawks would probably want all of their picks back.
The Spurs may try to trade the eighth pick in this year's draft instead, along with Chicago's 2025 first and Atlanta's 2026 first back, but they may have competition to acquire Young.
Will the San Antonio Spurs trade for Trae Young this summer?
Now that the Hawks have the number one pick in the NBA Draft, they have far more options than they previously did, and that might mean they aggressively shop Young to see what they can get. That may result in him being moved to a team other than the Spurs. Nevertheless, without control of their firsts for the next three years, the Hawks would have to get creative to build around whoever's selected first overall.
Unfortunately, this might not be the best draft to have the number one pick, so they might not get a potential superstar to rebuild with. Though with so many teams seemingly willing to trade their lottery picks, possibly even the Spurs, now might be the best time for them to do a reset.
All in all, with Young likely still on the trade block, teams will probably be lining up to acquire him. With Wembanyama willing to play with Young, it might give the Spurs added motivation to make a deal this summer.
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