The Atlanta Hawks and Minnesota Timberwolves each seem like in for big 2025-26 seasons. Regardless of that, the 2 franchises face dramatically completely different realities.
The Timberwolves have made the Western Convention Finals in back-to-back seasons. Nevertheless, they might have hit a wall. Subsequently, they might use a significant commerce to get them over the hump and assist them contend.
In the meantime, the Hawks have carried out a powerful job of bettering their roster round celebrity Trae Younger. However, he can turn into an unrestricted free agent after subsequent season, including a layer of drama to subsequent yr.
In the event that they flounder, Younger may simply as simply decide to turn into a free agent and depart for nothing subsequent season. If Atlanta will get an inkling that he could be keen to go away, they might store him forward of the February commerce deadline.
The Wolves can be a captivating touchdown spot for Younger, contemplating their want for a long-term start line guard. In spite of everything, Younger can be an enormous improve over Mike Conley, Donte DiVincenzo, and Rob Dillingham.
The Minnesota Timberwolves should commerce for Trae Younger
Younger may really find yourself being out there if he and the Hawks aren’t capable of conform to a contract extension previous to subsequent season and even earlier than the commerce deadline.
Whereas he may technically signal an extension at any level subsequent season, him getting into the ultimate yr of his contract with out an extension in place is uncommon. Particularly for a participant of his caliber. That might current the Wolves with a chance to pounce.
So far as attainable commerce packages, the Wolves must get inventive in hopes of engaging the Hawks. The more than likely commerce package deal, which could not be accomplished till December fifteenth, would come with All-Star Julius Randle, latest top-10 choose Rob Dillingham, a rotation participant in DiVincenzo, and a 2031 unprotected choose swap.
Would the Atlanta Hawks commerce Trae Younger to the Wolves?
Whether or not that may be sufficient to entice the Hawks is a query mark and would rely on a number of elements. The primary issue is whether or not the Hawks will stay as much as or exceed expectations. They’d a terrific summer season and will problem for a top-4 seed within the Japanese Convention.
But when they’re as an alternative a play-in caliber workforce, then that may be a pink flag about Younger’s future with the workforce. Particularly if there isn’t a motion in direction of an extension. Randle could be the perfect participant the Hawks can get in return for Younger, whose worth has been surprisingly low for a multi-time all-star.
However, they’ve Jalen Johnson at energy ahead, which could necessitate the necessity for a 3rd workforce to become involved. If and when Younger had been to turn into out there subsequent season.
If Younger turns into out there and falls throughout the Wolves’ worth vary, they need to make each effort to pair him with celebrity Anthony Edwards.
Good luck stopping these two from getting buckets within the common season and, extra importantly, the playoffs. That’s all the explanation the Wolves ought to have to go all-in on Younger this season.
