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 keeping with a number of reviews, the Hawks might 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 determine that that is the top of the street, 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 in opposition to the Detroit Pistons at Fiserv Discussion board. Necessary Credit score: Michael McLoone-Imagn Pictures Ever hear of a last-ditch effort?
Bucks famous person Giannis Antetokounmpo has been sad along with his state of affairs 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 improper.
Damian Lillard didn’t work. Myles Turner was a pleasant addition to the workforce 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 Japanese Convention feels fairly huge open. Whereas the Hawks would seemingly favor to commerce Younger to the Western Convention, the Bucks may attempt one final effort at holding Antetokounmpo pleased in Milwaukee.
2. Houston Rockets
Dec 27, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets ahead Kevin Durant (7) reacts after a play throughout the third quarter in opposition to the Cleveland Cavaliers at Toyota Heart. Necessary Credit score: Troy Taormina-Imagn Pictures The Rockets have the most effective defenses within the league – which isn’t Younger’s calling card. Nonetheless, it seemingly implies that they will soak up the impression of buying and selling for a prolific scorer who gained’t contribute a lot on the opposite facet of the court docket.
Houston went all on this offseason, pushing their chips within the middle of the desk to land Kevin Durant. The Western Convention is completely loaded. Maybe including a famous person like Younger to the combination with Durant may 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 in opposition to Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) throughout the third quarter at Chase Heart. Necessary Credit score: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Pictures Sooner or later, the Mavericks will return famous person level guard Kyrie Irving.
The Mavericks have been the workforce 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 trying to transfer him this season. Transferring on from Irving might be the correct factor to do, ushering in a brand new chapter round Younger and Flagg.
