rewrite this title Trae Young Trade Rumors: Three Teams That Make Sense If the Hawks Move On | Deadspin.com

The Atlanta Hawks have lost six straight games since All-Star guard Trae Young returned to the lineup.

Young has been in Atlanta since 2018. However, according to several reports, the Hawks could be ready to move on from the face of their franchise.

Young undoubtedly brings elite scoring, but the Hawks have struggled to establish postseason success during his time in Atlanta.

If the Hawks decide that this is the end of the road, here are a few trade suitors that make sense.

3. Milwaukee Bucks

Dec 3, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket in the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Ever hear of a last-ditch effort?

Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has been unhappy with his situation in Milwaukee as he wants to be contending for titles. The Bucks have struggled to surround Antetokounmpo with talent. However, the idea of trading him just feels wrong.

Damian Lillard didn’t work. Myles Turner was a nice addition to the team in the offseason, but he doesn’t have that same superstar impact required to help a player like Antetokounmpo get back to the NBA Finals.

The Eastern Conference feels pretty wide open. While the Hawks would likely prefer to trade Young to the Western Conference, the Bucks could try one last effort at keeping Antetokounmpo happy in Milwaukee.

2. Houston Rockets

Dec 27, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Rockets have one of the best defenses in the league – which isn’t Young’s calling card. However, it likely means that they can absorb the impact of trading for a prolific scorer who won’t contribute much on the other side of the court.

Houston went all in this offseason, pushing their chips in the center of the table to land Kevin Durant. The Western Conference is absolutely loaded. Perhaps adding a superstar like Young to the mix with Durant could help overcome the season-ending loss of Fred VanVleet and give the Rockets a chance at the title this season.

1. Dallas Mavericks

Dec 25, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (left) handles the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) during the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

At some point soon, the Mavericks will return superstar point guard Kyrie Irving.

The Mavericks were the team that initially drafted Young, prior to trading him on draft night for Luka Doncic. We all know how that movie ends.

But the Mavericks have a younger nucleus and can look to build around Cooper Flagg, who is starting to figure things out in his rookie campaign.

Anthony Davis has been injured a ton since being traded for Doncic, and the Mavericks are reportedly looking to move him this season. Moving on from Irving could be the right thing to do, ushering in a new chapter around Young and Flagg.