The Los Angeles Lakers have their eyes set on returning to championship glory, and a potential blockbuster trade involving Trae Young could be the key. With LeBron James nearing the twilight of his career and Anthony Davis in his prime, adding a dynamic talent like Young could be the catalyst for another title run.
Los Angeles Lakers Receive:
- Trae Young
- Kelly Olynyk
Los Angeles Lakers Lose:
- D’Angelo Russell
- Austin Reaves
- Rui Hachimura
- Jarred Vanderbilt
- Jalen Hood-Schifino
- 2028 first-round pick swap
- 2029 first-round pick
- 2030 first-round pick swap
- 2031 first-round pick
- 2025 second-round pick (via Clippers)
Trae Young, despite facing criticism throughout his career, boasts impressive averages of 27.1 points, 9.9 assists, and 2.8 threes per game over the last five seasons. His offensive prowess and pick-and-roll playmaking abilities make him a valuable asset for the Los Angeles Lakers. Pairing him with Anthony Davis could set the stage for a formidable post-LeBron future.
Kelly Olynyk’s addition would further solidify the Los Angeles Lakers’ lineup. His size, passing ability, and outside shooting would enable Anthony Davis to shift back to his preferred position at the 4, enhancing the team’s floor spacing.
Benefits for the Los Angeles Lakers
While the trade demands significant current and future assets, the Los Angeles Lakers’ focus is on giving LeBron James one last shot at a fifth title. As LeBron turns 40 in December, this aggressive move might be necessary to keep the championship window open. Despite being eliminated early in this year’s playoffs, LeBron’s top-tier performance last season indicates he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
The Hawks’ Retool
The Atlanta Hawks, on the other hand, have been struggling to find the right mix. After trading three future first-round picks and a pick swap to the San Antonio Spurs for Dejounte Murray in 2022, they still missed the playoffs this season. A significant shakeup could be on the horizon, and trading Trae Young might be a part of it.
Atlanta Hawks Receive:
- Austin Reaves
- Rui Hachimura
- Jarred Vanderbilt
- Jalen McDaniels
- 2028 first-round pick swap with Los Angeles
- 2029 first-round pick from Los Angeles
- 2031 first-round pick from Los Angeles
Atlanta Hawks Lose:
- Trae Young
- Garrison Matthews
Benefits for the Hawks
Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, both entering their prime years, can immediately contribute to the Hawks’ lineup. Reaves, who turned 26 in late May, and Hachimura, turning 27 in February, provide the right mix of youth and experience. Jarred Vanderbilt, who recently turned 25, brings hustle and rebounding, while Jalen McDaniels offers wing depth off the bench.
The trade also helps Atlanta regain some of the draft capital lost in the Murray trade. The future picks and pick swaps from the Los Angeles Lakers are valuable assets that could pay dividends in the long run, especially considering the uncertain future of the Los Angeles Lakers post-LeBron.
Raptors’ Strategic Shift
For the Toronto Raptors, this trade represents a strategic shift. They get involved to facilitate the deal and acquire valuable assets in return.
Toronto Raptors Receive:
- D’Angelo Russell
- Jalen Hood-Schifino
- Garrison Mathews
- 2030 first-round pick swap with Los Angeles
- 2025 second-round pick from Los Angeles (via Clippers)
Toronto Raptors Lose:
- Kelly Olynyk
- Jalen McDaniels
Benefits for the Raptors
The Raptors might be hesitant to part with Kelly Olynyk after extending his contract, but this trade could improve their long-term prospects. D’Angelo Russell’s expiring contract, a distant pick swap with the Los Angeles Lakers, and the potential of Jalen Hood-Schifino, a young guard with promising size and shooting ability, are valuable additions.
Russell would need to opt into his $18.7 million player option for 2024-25, but Toronto provides a great platform for him to showcase his skills ahead of free agency in 2025. Meanwhile, Hood-Schifino’s size and shooting potential make him a promising prospect to develop alongside Scottie Barnes.
Looking Forward
This three-team trade offers a mix of immediate impact and future potential for all involved. The Los Angeles Lakers aim for another title run by adding Trae Young, the Hawks retool with promising young talent and future picks, and the Raptors strategically shift towards a more promising future.
The NBA landscape could look very different if this trade goes through, with each team positioning itself for success in unique ways.
