NBA Trade Rumors: Did Trae Young Just Put a Full Stop to Lakers Buzz After Breaking Up With Rich Paul?

One of the hottest trade pieces this season, Trae Young has been a major topic of debate. Up until recently, he was associated the most with none other than the Lakers. Considering the kind of season they have had, it was rather a given that changes were underway. And a major change was letting go of Darvin Ham. Despite the support of “big man Pelinka and boss lady Jeanie Buss,” Ham had to exit with a 90-74 regular season record. But what provided additional strength to Young’s potential move to LA was that he was under Rich Paul’s Klutch Sports. And it is exactly this factor that has now dissolved!

In a shocking move, Trae Young announced his switch from Klutch to CAA Sports. He tweeted the change in his agency on his X account with the caption, “When I say it, I really mean it.. Another Day, Another Opportunity!!”. There hasn’t been any background story or context as to what brought about this change. But with this news, the usual speculations of Trae Young in a Purple & Gold jersey already seem to take a backseat. What is still in discussion in the rumor mill, though, is his near-certain move away from the Atlanta Hawks.

It was a no-brainer to sign Trae Young to a max extension in 2021. After the splendid playoff run, the Hawks believed they had their franchise star in Trae. And while Trae has remained steady, bar the injuries, the same cannot be said of Atlanta. They got Dejounte Murray to improve their roster to potentially eye at least a conference title. Even that hasn’t worked out in their favor.

The Trae Young-Dejounte Murray partnership hasn’t met those grand expectations

For example, in the 54 games that Young played this season, the Hawks were 22-32. As for Murray, the 78 games he played saw a 34-44 record. But, and here is the twist, when the duo took the floor together, Atlanta went 20-30. If we were to look at their stats for the season, the same sad fate can be found.

Trae Young averaged 25.7 points, 10.8 assists, and 2.8 rebounds in the 2023-24 season. Dejounte Murray had  22.5 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game. Both of them showcased impressive and consistent numbers. But what was the stat line when both of them were on the court?

Murray’s numbers dropped to 21.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 50 games. Young remained more or less the same, with his average points increasing by a decimal. Clearly, these numbers do not stand out. But with the Lakers potentially out of the trade talks or becoming a less-favorite destination, the Spurs remain a solid prospective buyer.

Talks about how Young could very well be of help to Victor Wembanyama in his second season has been a topic of discussion. But the truth of the matter is how the front office might see the Wemby-Young vision shape up.

And there is the crux of the scenario – Trae Young is yet to ask for a trade. And the Hawks haven’t officially made him available for a trade, either. So, this could go either way. After all, all he wants to do is win. What do you think will happen? Will the Texas native remain in Atlanta when all is said and done? Drop your comments below!