The Sacramento Kings were close to winning their first NBA season game, but were denied shortly by the Phoenix Suns. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks were hopeful to give the Toronto Raptors a memorable opener, but that's not what happened.

Following recent developments, the Hawks recognize that some adjustments are necessary, and trading Trae Young could be part of a potential roster overhaul.

Atlanta Hawks' Lackluster Start Sparks Skepticism

NBA Trade Rumors: Hawks' Trae Young Can Thrive in Miami,
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

This was the year the Hawks were going to take it to the next level. They built around Trae Young with some crucial offseason pickups, adding Kristaps Porziņģis, Luke Kennard, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker to the mix. But another embarrassing season opener exposed the team's chemistry and direction, according to BBall Rumors.

With expectations high and patience wearing thin, speculation is resurfacing about whether Atlanta might consider a drastic move, potentially trading franchise star Trae Young.

The Bold 3-Team Trade Proposal

According to Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus, there is a gargantuan three-team trade scenario that would shake things up in the NBA. In this hypothetical trade, Trae Young would find himself with the Sacramento Kings, establishing a new backcourt combination in California's capital city. This is how the trade would go down:

Sacramento Kings get:

  • Trae Young
  • Mouhamed Gueye
  • Haywood Highsmith (through the Brooklyn Nets)

Atlanta Hawks get:

  • DeMar DeRozan
  • Keon Ellis
  • Devin Carter
  • Dario Šarić
  • 2026 first-round pick (from the Kings)
  • 2027 second-round pick (from the Nets)

Brooklyn Nets get:

  • Dennis Schröder
  • 2026 first-round pick (from Kings)

How the Trade Affects Each Team

For the Kings, such a trade would represent an ambitious charge into contention. Having already traded away Tyrese Haliburton and De'Aaron Fox, adding Trae Young would finally provide the team with a second All-Star-level playmaker.

With Young surrounded by Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and Russell Westbrook, there could be one of the league's most explosive offenses, although Pincus points out, it could be a "defensive nightmare."

The Atlanta Hawks would acquire depth and versatility. Keon Ellis provides top-notch perimeter defense and three-point shooting, and Devin Carter, a 2024 lottery prospect, provides young energy and potential. DeRozan and Šarić added would also make Atlanta competitive in the short term while rebuilding for the future.

Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets gain by working off their cap, taking on Schröder's salary, and gaining a precious first-round draft pick in exchange, a shrewd move for an organization splitting future flexibility with competitiveness.