NBA Draft: 7’1 Next French Sensation Could Keep Trae Young Away From Victor Wembanyama & Lakers’ Grasp As Hawks Draw #1 Pick

The Spurs and Lakers might have to step back in their pursuit of Trae Young. Of course, there is that rumor that LA is already behind him, with Young’s sudden move from Klutch Sports. But a mere agency transfer wouldn’t probably change their plans if the Purple & Gold are indeed looking to get ‘Ice Trae’ in their colors next season. However, all of this seems to take a backseat in light of the latest news about the Atlanta Hawks.

In an unpredictable turn of events, the Blackhawks have gotten the No.1 pick in the 2024-25 NBA Draft season. As such, yet another 7’1, 19-year-old Frenchman has emerged as the star, predicted to be the top pick in what is widely believed to be a lackluster draft group. Alexandre Sarr, or simply, Alex Sarr, the Bordeaux-born center has been projected as No. 1 for the Hawks. The Athletic’s Zach Harper posted what could be one move Atlanta might employ for the coming season. “The Hawks are going to take Alex Sarr and tell Trae Young, “we have Wemby at home.”

Trae Young has been at the cusp of trade rumors ever since the Hawks’ season seemed to go downhill. Although Dejounte Murray topped the list at the trade deadline, he played back into the team. Given how Atlanta’s season ended, the trade rumor around Young picked up again. The star guard’s “win-now” mentality and comments on the same only flamed the trade talks.

That’s when the Lakers and Spurs came on top as major contenders for the All-Star caliber point guard. Even among the two, San Antonio has gained prominence for two reasons. One is the recent agency move. Second, the fact that the Hawks could get back the first-round picks they traded for Murray. And of course, the veteran help for Victor Wembanyama.

Atlanta is yet to make Trae Young available for a trade. Nor has the man in question asked for a trade. Yet. With the ‘Peach State’ getting the No. 1 pick now, there are bound to be changes of some sort, wouldn’t you say? As we wait for that, let’s get to know the top prospect a little better.

A quick look at the potential Robin to Trae Young – Alex Sarr

Sarr played for the Perth Wildcats of Australia’s NBL. Prior to that, though, he made quite a journey. Growing up in a family of basketball players, Alex developed a love for the sport early on and started playing at four. He’s been hooping ever since. By 2019, the young big man joined Real Madrid Baloncesto as part of the cadet youth team and played for two seasons.

In 2021, Sarr moved to the States and joined the Overtime Elite league in Georgia, giving him some much-needed international exposure and a means of income. The Atlanta-based league provided a guaranteed minimum salary of at least $100,000. Once again, the young forward played for 2 seasons with them, earning second-team All-OTE honors in 2022–23. It was from here that he moved to Australia as part of the Next Stars program.

Having played one season for them, Alexandre Sarr decided to declare for the coming NBA draft. Already a top prospect, Sarr’s 7-foot frame with an equally impressive wingspan and mobility not seen in someone his size has many teams impressed. Couple that with attributes that place him as a high-level interior defender by NBA standards, the Hawks have someone they can develop into an elite defensive big.

Well, let’s wait and see how the draft season will change some teams in the league now.