Raptors could replicate recent trade magic with another low-cost star pickup

"On January 5, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania broke the news that multi-time NBA All-Star Trae Young and his agents were working with the Atlanta Hawks to organize a trade. It's been long rumored that Young's days in Atlanta were nearing an end, especially after questions arose about his true impact on winning, the Hawks' inconsistent seasons since their 2021 East Finals run, and the emerging development of superstar Jalen Johnson."

"Washington has the assets to influence the Hawks' front office in their favor. They have an expiring CJ McCollum salary, a player like Corey Kispert or AJ Johnson, and protected draft capital - a return the Hawks can comfortably accept. This would allow them to pivot into a more favorable salary cap position and keep the window open to add a high-ceiling star down the line."

"Now, one team that hasn't really been mentioned among the frontrunners in the Trae Young sweepstakes (if you even want to call it that) is the Toronto Raptors (aside from chatter within the Raptors fan circles, that is). Ironically enough, it was in Toronto where Trae Young was when this news broke, as the Raptors prepared to host the Hawks in a back-to-back matchup, while the four-time All-Star sat on the sidelines recovering from injury."

On January 5, reports indicated Trae Young and his agents were working with the Atlanta Hawks to organize a trade. Questions about Young's impact on winning, Atlanta's inconsistent seasons since the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals, and the rise of Jalen Johnson contributed to the trade impetus. Sources identified the Washington Wizards as a legitimate trade destination, offering an expiring CJ McCollum salary, players such as Corey Kispert or AJ Johnson, and protected draft capital. That return could create salary-cap flexibility for the Hawks and preserve the ability to pursue a high-ceiling star later. Toronto emerged as an under-the-radar option while Young was in the city recovering from injury, and Brandon Ingram is cited as a precedent for revitalization after a change of scenery.

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