The Atlanta Hawks have misplaced six straight video games since All-Star guard Trae Younger returned to the lineup.
Younger has been in Atlanta since 2018. Nonetheless, in response to a number of experiences, the Hawks may very well be prepared to maneuver on from the face of their franchise.
Younger undoubtedly brings elite scoring, however the Hawks have struggled to determine postseason success throughout his time in Atlanta.
If the Hawks resolve that that is the top of the highway, listed here are a number of commerce suitors that make sense.
3. Milwaukee Bucks
Dec 3, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks ahead Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket within the first half towards the Detroit Pistons at Fiserv Discussion board. Necessary Credit score: Michael McLoone-Imagn Photos Ever hear of a last-ditch effort?
Bucks famous person Giannis Antetokounmpo has been sad together with his scenario in Milwaukee as he needs to be contending for titles. The Bucks have struggled to encompass Antetokounmpo with expertise. Nonetheless, the thought of buying and selling him simply feels incorrect.
Damian Lillard didn’t work. Myles Turner was a pleasant addition to the group within the offseason, however he doesn’t have that very same famous person impression required to assist a participant like Antetokounmpo get again to the NBA Finals.
The Jap Convention feels fairly vast open. Whereas the Hawks would probably favor to commerce Younger to the Western Convention, the Bucks might strive one final effort at retaining Antetokounmpo blissful in Milwaukee.
2. Houston Rockets
Dec 27, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets ahead Kevin Durant (7) reacts after a play in the course of the third quarter towards the Cleveland Cavaliers at Toyota Heart. Necessary Credit score: Troy Taormina-Imagn Photos The Rockets have top-of-the-line defenses within the league – which isn’t Younger’s calling card. Nonetheless, it probably implies that they’ll take up the impression of buying and selling for a prolific scorer who received’t contribute a lot on the opposite aspect of the courtroom.
Houston went all on this offseason, pushing their chips within the heart of the desk to land Kevin Durant. The Western Convention is totally loaded. Maybe including a famous person like Younger to the combo with Durant might assist overcome the season-ending lack of Fred VanVleet and provides the Rockets an opportunity on the title this season.
1. Dallas Mavericks
Dec 25, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks ahead Cooper Flagg (left) handles the ball towards Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) in the course of the third quarter at Chase Heart. Necessary Credit score: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Photos Sooner or later, the Mavericks will return famous person level guard Kyrie Irving.
The Mavericks have been the group that originally drafted Younger, previous to buying and selling him on draft night time for Luka Doncic. Everyone knows how that film ends.
However the Mavericks have a youthful nucleus and may look to construct round Cooper Flagg, who’s beginning to determine issues out in his rookie marketing campaign.
Anthony Davis has been injured a ton since being traded for Doncic, and the Mavericks are reportedly seeking to transfer him this season. Transferring on from Irving may very well be the correct factor to do, ushering in a brand new chapter round Younger and Flagg.
