babyjax13 wrote:SAS trades: 2027 ATL 1st, Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Malaki Branham
in: Kevin Durant
San Antonio still has lots of assets after this, but they are trading their best under the condition that ATL trades Young. However, this trade builds them an immediate contender of Fox/Castle/Vassell/Durant/Wembenyama - I think they are ready to start competing now and this deal sets them up to do so. Durant expires the next year and Wemby will still be on a rookie deal so they can try to sign another star player to compete long-term in the 2027 offseason.
PHX trades: Kevin Durant
in: Trae Young
Phoenix trades Durant for a younger, cheaper, less impactful star.
ATL trades: Trae Young
in: 2027 ATL 1st, Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Malaki Branham
Atlanta looks at their 2025 1st as a sunk cost (albeit they at least have Dyson Daniels out of this) and recoups their 2027 1st to lean into a rebuild with Daniels and Johnson as promising centerpieces. The 2026 draft looks incredible already, and 2027 also has some interesting prospects at the top.
Only one 1st for Trae? Hawks fans would riot if Landry gave up Trae that cheap. Not close at all for me to give up Atl's only all star in a while just entering his prime for that.
And yes, Trae wants to win, but he’s well aware that the Hawks have been plagued by injuries all season. Looking ahead, a fully healthy core of Daniels, Risacher (been playing well recently), Johnson, and Okongwu is more promising than some of the teams he’s been rumored to get moved to imo..... Trae at 26 yrs old is the oldest of those 5 as well.... just really really need Jalen Johnson to stay healthy.