Latest news with #TraeYoung
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13 hours ago
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Sacramento Kings Set to Pursue 2 All-Star Guards as 'Long-Term Solution'
Sacramento Kings Set to Pursue 2 All-Star Guards as 'Long-Term Solution' originally appeared on Athlon Sports. A lot of the talk surrounding the Sacramento Kings and their plans for this offseason has been about selling. However, the team may surprisingly pass on that approach. Advertisement A 40-42 season that featured a loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Play-In Tournament does not come off as a situation to build on. That feels especially true considering the departure of former franchise point guard De'Aaron Fox via trade. However, it is that precise exit that has the Kings considering all their options heading into the offseason. Recent trade rumors are suggesting Sacramento could be buyers in an effort to replace Fox for the long-term. Mar 7, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) reacts to a call during the fourth quarter of the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Golden 1 Center.© Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images Grant Afseth reported that the Kings will be eyeing two star point guards to fill the hole left at the spot for the franchise. Darius Garland of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks are the two names to monitor for Sacramento. Advertisement Garland is coming off one of his better campaigns as a pro. The Cavaliers guard averaged 20.6 points, 6.7 assists, and 1.2 steals, while shooting 47.2 percent from the field and 40.1 percent from beyond the arc. Despite the stellar play, the Cavaliers fell to the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. The result has led to the door being open in Cleveland for a shakeup to their current core. Young delivered another season that fans are accustomed to by now. The Hawks guard averaged a double-double, with 24.2 points and 11.6 assists per game. However, efficiency issues plagued Young this year. The Hawks offensive engine only managed to shoot 41.1 percent from the field and 34.0 percent from 3-point. Advertisement Either one of these two guards would make for a serviceable long-term replacement for Fox. The question with either one of those additions would still involve a debate regarding the overall ceiling of that group. Related: 3 Sacramento Kings Player Headline 'Favorites' to be Traded to Eastern Conference Team Related: Sacramento Kings Expected to Make Big Offseason Move After Mediocre Season This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
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13 hours ago
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Zach Lowe drops firm take on Trae Young's future with Hawks
The post Zach Lowe drops firm take on Trae Young's future with Hawks appeared first on ClutchPoints. Trae Young's future with the Atlanta Hawks continues to be up in the air after the team's underwhelming seasons. However, NBA analyst Zach Lowe believes they should remain committed to the All-Star guard. Advertisement Young has led the Hawks to three consecutive playoff appearances from 2021 to 2023. His playoff debut was a major success, taking Atlanta to their first East Finals since 2015. However, they haven't maintained that level of play, exiting the first round in 2022 and 2023 while falling short in the play-in tournament for the last two years. Despite the Hawks' inability to get back in the conversation as a serious contender, Lowe wants the franchise to continue with Young as their cornerstone. 'I kind of want the Hawks to keep Trae Young long term. I don't think there's a great market for him. So I don't think there's a trade out there that completely just reorients the franchise in a positive way,' Lowe said on his show. 'If I can extend him at a decent number, I just kind of like their team, and I do think he'll change his style of play a little bit. I think there's hope for like a Trae Young mid-career, metamorphosis is too strong of a word, but I could see, like, in a year, it's like, 'oh my god, the Hawks are like, up 2-1 in the second round, and Trae Young is moving off the ball a little bit'…like I could see it.' What lies ahead for Trae Young, Hawks Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Trae Young continues to impress with his high-level shooting and playmaking ability. It's just a matter of whether the Hawks can maximize their ceiling with him being the leader. Advertisement This past season was a career year for him when it came to passing the ball. After 76 games, he averaged 24.2 points, a career-high 11.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. He shot 41.1% from the field, including 34% from beyond the arc, and 87.5% from the free-throw line. The Hawks will be busy this offseason, especially with Young. The guard has two years remaining on his contract, with the 2026-27 season being a player option. In other words, what happens in the 2025-25 campaign might play a big impact on how Young decides to approach his situation with the franchise. Atlanta also has Clint Capela, Caris LeVert, Larry Nance Jr., and Garrison Matthews as free agents this summer. It's clear that the roster may look somewhat different next season, so fans should be in for a treat for what their team does to strengthen their squad. Related: NBA rumors: Hawks join Pistons as Myles Turner free agency suitor Related: Hawks hire Pelicans, 76ers execs to work with new GM
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13 hours ago
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Hawks rumors: What Jake Fischer is hearing about draft trades, free agency
The post Hawks rumors: What Jake Fischer is hearing about draft trades, free agency appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Atlanta Hawks made a run to the Eastern Conference finals in 2021. However, the Hawks have participated in the Play-In Tournament in every season since then. With one NBA expert backing Atlanta's plan to hold on to Trae Young, how the team approaches the draft and free agency is crucial. With Bryson Graham and Onsi Saleh in new roles, NBA Insider Jake Fischer reported that Caris LeVert could remain with the Hawks as the team continues to climb the ranks in their conference. Advertisement Atlanta holds the 13th and 22nd pick in this year's draft. In the past, teams with multiple picks in the first round package them together in an effort to move up. However, it appears as though the Hawks will make both picks instead of making a trade. In a draft class as deep as this year's is expected to be, taking multiple bites at the apple could help Atlanta unearth another solid role player. Their dynamic trio of Young, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu have talent, but need 3-and-D players around them. Graham joined the front office and Saleh taking the mantle as general manager earlier this year. Because of their lack of cap space, they could be biggest changes the team makes. Both bring experience into their positions and face pressure to help the Hawks improve. With Jayson Tatum's torn ACL ruling him out next season, the Eastern Conference is wide open. Atlanta's last deep playoff run was as a dark horse team. Next season provides them a perfect opportunity to do it again. In order to do that, they need to retain their rotation this offseason. LeVert was a part of the return that the Hawks got when they traded DeAndre Hunter to the Cleveland Cavaliers. According to Fischer, Atlanta wants to bring him back this summer. Advertisement 'Sources say Atlanta has shown a keen interest in retaining free agent guard Caris LeVert after bringing the veteran scorer to the Hawks as part of the return for trading De'Andre Hunter,' said Fischer. Despite being in trade rumors all season, it appears that Young could be in Atlanta for the long haul. If they capitalize in the draft and stay healthy, the Hawks have what they need to make noise in the Eastern Conference. Related: Trae Young gives inside look at Oklahoma basketball job Related: Zach Lowe drops firm take on Trae Young's future with Hawks
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13 hours ago
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RUMOR: Hawks' Trae Young trade rumblings put to bed
The post RUMOR: Hawks' Trae Young trade rumblings put to bed appeared first on ClutchPoints. There are two indisputable statements the Atlanta Hawks must sort out this offseason: Trae Young is a stellar offensive talent, and this franchise has not advanced past the opening round of the NBA playoffs since the 2020-21 campaign. Is it possible this marriage has plateaued? Many have wondered if management would attempt to alter the team's identity and trajectory by making a major shake-up. Advertisement Atlanta's actions indicate otherwise, however. New general manager Onsi Saleh does not appear to be engaged in Young trade talks at this time, as he instead focuses on the No. 13 and No. 22 selections the Hawks have at their disposal going into the 2025 NBA Draft. 'While some have suggested Atlanta should leverage these selections and try to move into the top 10, the Hawks appear to be comfortable adding two more young talents to build the future of their roster,' ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel reports. 'Despite changes in their front office, the Hawks have not held serious Trae Young trade discussions, sources said.' Can Young lead the Hawks back into relevance? When taking into account the current squad, which contains rising talents like Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher and Dyson Daniels, one can see why the organization would want to keep Young. If Atlanta is indeed retaining the face of the franchise through this offseason, then head coach Quin Snyder must figure out how to maximize the team's collective strengths. Advertisement Trae Young is a four-time All-Star and one of the top playmakers in the league today. He will undoubtedly produce on the floor, as evidenced by the 24.2 points, league-leading 11.6 assists and 1.2 steals he averaged last season. The 26-year-old comes with efficiency questions, however. He shot a paltry 41.1 percent from the field and posted an NBA-worst 355 turnovers. A player that has the ball in his hands as much as Young must exhibit more consistency. He has proven himself capable of doing just that in the past, leading the Hawks to an unforeseen Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 2021. Considering Atlanta's ostensible faith in him moving forward, he will get the opportunity to recapture that peak form in the 2025-26 season. Related: Hawks' Larry Nance Jr. reveals Top 5 NBA moments on Father's Day Related: Hawks rumors: What Atlanta seeks in draft amid trade buzz, expected free agent loss
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13 hours ago
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Atlanta Hawks' perfect outcome for No. 13 pick in 2025 NBA Draft
The post Atlanta Hawks' perfect outcome for No. 13 pick in 2025 NBA Draft appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Atlanta Hawks have a roster hovering between playoff contention and full-scale rebuild. As such, the 2025 NBA Draft presents an opportunity to solidify their direction. Holding the No. 13 pick, Atlanta has a chance to add a young, impactful talent. Whoever that turns out to be can either complement star guard Trae Young or help usher in a new era if the franchise ultimately chooses to pivot. The stakes are high, of course. With the right choice, the Hawks can take a major step forward. Another Year of Uncertainty The Hawks finished the 2024-25 season 40-42, once again stuck in the middle. They were too good to tank but not good enough to contend. Trae Young trade rumors, which began back in 2023, still linger as questions persist about his long-term fit as the franchise centerpiece. Meanwhile, Atlanta's direction remains unclear. Youthful talents like Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, and Zaccharie Risacher offer promise. However, deadline moves to acquire veterans and cap flexibility hint at a short-term approach. As the 2025 offseason begins, the Hawks must decide: build around Young or pivot to a full youth movement. Either way, the No. 13 pick will play a pivotal role. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Here we will discuss the perfect outcome for the Atlanta Hawks as they choose a rookie with the No. 13 pick in 2025 NBA Draft. The Ideal Target Few prospects fit Atlanta's needs at No. 13 better than Michigan State's Jase Richardson. The 6'4 combo guard blends skill, versatility, and two-way upside that align perfectly with the Hawks' roster. Advertisement After a strong freshman year (12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.3 threes per game), Richardson surprised scouts by declaring early. Still, his polished all-around game justifies the move. He's comfortable playing both on and off the ball, showing poise, IQ, and adaptability well beyond his years. In today's NBA, Richardson's ability to both run an offense in spurts and complement primary scorers like Young makes him highly valuable. That's whether as a partner or potential replacement if the franchise pivots. A Seamless Fit Richardson fits Atlanta's plans no matter the direction. If they stick with Young, Richardson offers a low-usage, unselfish guard who spaces the floor and steadies the backcourt. If the Hawks lean into youth, he pairs perfectly with Daniels to form a switchable, defense-first perimeter duo. They can certainly disrupt opposing offenses. Richardson's ability to contribute without dominating the ball allows him to slot seamlessly into any lineup. He can start or come off the bench. Atlanta needs glue guys who raise the floor — and Richardson does just that. What Scouts Are Saying Richardson isn't flawless, though. Some scouts question his burst and whether he can consistently beat defenders or lead an NBA offense full-time. His playmaking instincts and first-step explosiveness remain areas for growth. Advertisement Yet, Atlanta minimizes those concerns. With established creators like Young, Johnson, and Daniels around him, Richardson can thrive. He can become a secondary playmaker and off-ball defender. The Hawks don't need him to be a lead guard right away — or ever. This would allow him to focus on his strengths while developing his weaknesses at his own pace. A Strategic Draft Philosophy Drafting Richardson would reflect a smart, flexible approach. The Hawks need players who fit both a short-term push and a long-term rebuild. For sure, Richardson offers both. His versatility allows the front office to keep its options open, matching the 'dual-track' approach many modern teams use to remain competitive while developing young talent. Whether Atlanta competes now or transitions later, Richardson provides value across both timelines. Can't Afford to Miss at No. 13 This draft pick is crucial. After years stuck in the NBA's middle class, Atlanta needs clarity and impact. Richardson offers both: a versatile guard who stabilizes the roster today and grows into a larger role tomorrow. Brett Davis-Imagn Images In a loaded Eastern Conference, another year of mediocrity is dangerous. Smart drafting can finally push the Hawks out of that cycle. Richardson's high floor, defensive mindset, and growth potential make him a safe yet meaningful swing at No. 13. The Perfect Puzzle Piece As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, Atlanta's front office faces a pivotal decision. The Hawks have been drifting in a state of flux, but adding Jase Richardson could finally give them a player capable of bridging their present and future. Advertisement Richardson may not project as a future All-NBA centerpiece, but that's not what Atlanta needs right now. They need stability, versatility, and players who enhance multiple lineup configurations. They need individuals who fit alongside both their current core and any future reimagining of the roster. They need, quite simply, the right puzzle piece. At No. 13, Jase Richardson might be exactly that. Related: Hawks hire Pelicans, 76ers execs to work with new GM
