The Atlanta Hawks have misplaced six straight video games since All-Star guard Trae Younger returned to the lineup.
Younger has been in Atlanta since 2018. Nonetheless, in keeping with a number of reviews, the Hawks may very well be prepared to maneuver on from the face of their franchise.
Younger undoubtedly brings elite scoring, however the Hawks have struggled to ascertain postseason success throughout his time in Atlanta.
If the Hawks determine that that is the top of the street, listed below are a number of commerce suitors that make sense.
3. Milwaukee Bucks
Dec 3, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks ahead Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket within the first half towards the Detroit Pistons at Fiserv Discussion board. Obligatory Credit score: Michael McLoone-Imagn Photos Ever hear of a last-ditch effort?
Bucks celebrity Giannis Antetokounmpo has been sad together with his state of affairs in Milwaukee as he desires to be contending for titles. The Bucks have struggled to encompass Antetokounmpo with expertise. Nonetheless, the concept of buying and selling him simply feels unsuitable.
Damian Lillard didn’t work. Myles Turner was a pleasant addition to the staff within the offseason, however he doesn’t have that very same celebrity impression required to assist a participant like Antetokounmpo get again to the NBA Finals.
The Jap Convention feels fairly huge open. Whereas the Hawks would doubtless want to commerce Younger to the Western Convention, the Bucks might strive one final effort at conserving Antetokounmpo glad in Milwaukee.
2. Houston Rockets
Dec 27, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets ahead Kevin Durant (7) reacts after a play through the third quarter towards the Cleveland Cavaliers at Toyota Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Troy Taormina-Imagn Photos The Rockets have probably the greatest defenses within the league – which isn’t Younger’s calling card. Nonetheless, it doubtless implies that they’ll take in the impression of buying and selling for a prolific scorer who gained’t contribute a lot on the opposite aspect of the court docket.
Houston went all on this offseason, pushing their chips within the middle of the desk to land Kevin Durant. The Western Convention is completely loaded. Maybe including a celebrity like Younger to the combination with Durant might assist overcome the season-ending lack of Fred VanVleet and provides the Rockets an opportunity on the title this season.
1. Dallas Mavericks
Dec 25, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks ahead Cooper Flagg (left) handles the ball towards Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) through the third quarter at Chase Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Photos Sooner or later, the Mavericks will return celebrity level guard Kyrie Irving.
The Mavericks have been the staff that originally drafted Younger, previous to buying and selling him on draft night time for Luka Doncic. Everyone knows how that film ends.
However the Mavericks have a youthful nucleus and might look to construct round Cooper Flagg, who’s beginning to determine issues out in his rookie marketing campaign.
Anthony Davis has been injured a ton since being traded for Doncic, and the Mavericks are reportedly seeking to transfer him this season. Shifting on from Irving may very well be the appropriate factor to do, ushering in a brand new chapter round Younger and Flagg.
