Sports
Hawks Set Sights on ‘Prime Trade Target’ Anthony Davis to Replace Trae Young
After weeks of rumors and speculation, the 
Atlanta Hawks finally traded superstar guard Trae Young to the 
Washington Wizards on Wednesday, marking the latest blockbuster trade in the NBA.
The Hawks received guard CJ McCollum and forward Corey Kispert in the deal, with no draft picks involved in the swap. Washington was reportedly Young’s preferred trade destination.
The trade marks the end of Young’s tumultuous seven-season run in Atlanta, where he emerged as one of the top offensive guards in the NBA. The 27-year-old leaves the Hawks as the franchise’s all-time leader in three-pointers and assists, having led them to the playoffs three times in seven years.
|
Trae Young Stats With Atlanta Hawks – 2018-2026 |
|
|---|---|
|
Points |
25.2 |
|
Rebounds |
3.5 |
|
Assists |
9.8 |
|
Steals |
1.0 |
|
Field Goal % |
43.2% |
|
3-Point Field Goal % |
35.1% |
Young was informed of the move during the Hawks’ 117-100 win over the New Orleans Pelicans at State Farm Arena, with cameras following the Oklahoma product back to the locker room for the last time in Atlanta.
The Hawks can now finally move on and start a new era in their franchise’s history, anchored by young talents like Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu and Zaccharie Risacher, and impactful veterans like Nickeil Alexander-Walker and CJ McCollum.
Sitting ninth in the Eastern Conference with an 18-21 record, Atlanta is reportedly not done making moves, and could use the financial flexibility they now have after dealing Young’s $46 million salary to make a big splash.
And it seems as though they already have another big swing in sight.
Atlanta’s ‘Prime Trade Target’
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Hawks have identified 
Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis as a “prime trade target”.
NBA insider Evan Sidery also reported on Wednesday that Atlanta plans to pursue Davis, reportedly preparing a package built around Kristaps Porziņģis and Luke Kennard, who are both on expiring contracts. Sidery believes the Hawks want to shift to a defense-first philosophy, with Davis — one of the best defenders of his generation — as an anchor.
Dallas has not publicly committed to the idea of trading the 10-time All-Star, but a deal feels inevitable as the Mavericks shift their focus towards Cooper Flagg.
A number of suitors have emerged for the 2020 NBA Champion, so the Hawks may have to enter a bidding way for the talented big man’s services.
3 Anthony Davis Trade Ideas That Make Sense
Less than a year after moving to the Mavericks in arguably the most shocking trade in NBA history, Anthony Davis might be on the move again soon.
