Rival’s $11M move may have locked Atlanta Hawks’ path to 2024

Just like that, each of Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young’s preferred landing spots, if traded, would fill their need for a point guard or be essentially taken out of the running for the three-time All-Star.

Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer wrote on June 28 that Young has the Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs under his belt. list of optimal destinations.

The Hawks’ trade sending Dejounte Murray put them out of contention.

Meanwhile, Young goes from Klutch Sports will compete with CAA indeed, it does less likely Young lands with the Lakers, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic on June 29. The Lakers have also turned their attention to options like former Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson.

The Spurs appeared to be the last bastion of hope for anyone who believed the Hawks star would be cut this offseason.

This was before they signed Chris Paul, who the Warriors fired.

“Star free agent Chris Paul intends to sign with the San Antonio Spurs, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport,” Bleacher Report NBA insider Chris Haynes reported on X on June 30.

“Chris Paul had a great conversation with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and was sold on culture and the opportunity to help elevate Victor Wembanyama’s game. CP is eager and motivated to show that he is still an elite goalie in this league.

Youth supposed affinity for the Spurs came at the trade deadline when his name appeared in talks between the San Antonio front office and the Hawks regarding Murray.

Reports of these discussions surfaced amid rumors Teams felt Young could be traded this summer.

Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama would also be a fan of the potential couplebut concerns about the Hawks star’s fit with the storied franchise – and their young star – seemed to put the idea on ice.

It resurfaced this offseason, but Paul’s decision should solidify Young’s stay in Atlanta this year.

He never publicly pushed for a trade. He did, however, express an explicit desire to win, emphasizing that he needs the front office to be on the same page.

To that end, they circled him around longer this offseason, first with the No. 1 rookie pick Zaccharie Risacher, then with the Murray deal bringing back standout wing defender Dyson Daniels.

Aside from Young’s desire to stay in Atlanta, there is also little market for point guards.

The two teams that could use him the most — the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic — are the Hawks’ division rivals, making them far from ideal trade partners.

The Phoenix Suns could use a true point guard, one of whom Young could be the best in the league. But Phoenix also lacks the assets required to make such a deal, both in terms of recruiting capital and players.

Young’s retention with the Hawks seemed almost certain with the Murray trade.

They accepted a discount on the draft capital they gave up for Murray in 2022 rather than accept what almost certainly could have been a bigger return for Young.

Paul’s decision all but solidifies the Hawks’ path, barring a change of heart regarding the Lakers.