The Atlanta Hawks and Minnesota Timberwolves both appear to be in for huge 2025-26 seasons. Despite that, the two franchises face dramatically different realities.
The Timberwolves have made the Western Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons. However, they may have hit a wall. Therefore, they could use a major trade to get them over the hump and help them contend.
Meanwhile, the Hawks have done an impressive job of improving their roster around superstar Trae Young. Nevertheless, he can become an unrestricted free agent after next season, adding a layer of drama to next year.
If they flounder, Young could just as easily opt to become a free agent and leave for nothing next season. If Atlanta gets an inkling that he might be willing to leave, they could shop him ahead of the February trade deadline.
The Wolves would be a fascinating landing spot for Young, considering their need for a long-term starting point guard. After all, Young would be a massive upgrade over Mike Conley, Donte DiVincenzo, and Rob Dillingham.
The Minnesota Timberwolves must trade for Trae Young
Young could actually end up being available if he and the Hawks aren’t able to agree to a contract extension prior to next season or even before the trade deadline.
While he could technically sign an extension at any point next season, him entering the final year of his contract without an extension in place is unusual. Especially for a player of his caliber. That could present the Wolves with an opportunity to pounce.
As far as possible trade packages, the Wolves would have to get creative in hopes of enticing the Hawks. The most likely trade package, which couldn’t be completed until December 15th, would include All-Star Julius Randle, recent top-10 pick Rob Dillingham, a rotation player in DiVincenzo, and a 2031 unprotected pick swap.
Would the Atlanta Hawks trade Trae Young to the Wolves?
Whether that would be enough to entice the Hawks is a question mark and would depend on several factors. The first factor is whether the Hawks will live up to or exceed expectations. They had a terrific summer and should challenge for a top-4 seed in the Eastern Conference.
But if they are instead a play-in caliber team, then that would be a red flag about Young’s future with the team. Especially if there is no movement towards an extension. Randle might be the best player the Hawks can get in return for Young, whose value has been surprisingly low for a multi-time all-star.
Nevertheless, they have Jalen Johnson at power forward, which might necessitate the need for a third team to get involved. If and when Young were to become available next season.
If Young becomes available and falls within the Wolves’ price range, they should make every effort to pair him with superstar Anthony Edwards.
Good luck stopping those two from getting buckets in the regular season and, more importantly, the playoffs. That is all the reason the Wolves should need to go all-in on Young this season.
