Hawks Star Trae Young Leaves Rich Paul Of Klutch Sports Group

Young was represented by Rich Paul, the agent who represents Los Angeles Lakers superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. 

According to NBA insider Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the Hawks are expected to trade Young this offseason.

“Many sources around the NBA believe Young will be on the move this summer—assuming Atlanta can find a buyer,” Pincus wrote. “Not every team needs a point guard, let alone a small one (6’1”, 164 pounds) at $43 million next season. Several just don’t like his game.”

Young averaged 25.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 10.8 assists this season while shooting 43.0% from the field, 37.3% from beyond the arc and 85.5% from the free-throw line. He had 37 double-doubles in 54 games. 

The Hawks missed the playoffs after losing the 9-10 play-in game to the Chicago Bulls in Chicago. 

Young signed a five-year, $215 million extension with the Hawks in August 2021. He’ll make $43 million next season and $45 million in 2025-26.

Young has career averages of 25.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 9.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.2 blocks. He doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract. 

A source told Hoops Wire that the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers are interested in acquiring Young this summer. The Lakers view Young as a third star who can help them push for a championship alongside LeBron and Davis, two of the top players in the NBA.

LeBron and Davis are “fans” of Young’s game, the source said. 

Speaking of the Lakers, they need a new coach after firing Darvin Ham. In Ham’s two seasons, the Lakers went 90-74.

LAL was swept by the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference Finals and lost to Denver in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in five games. 

In their coaching search, the Lakers have been linked to Tyronn Lue, JJ Redick, Kenny Atkinson, Mike Budenholzer and Charles Lee.