Lakers’ Top Trade, NBA Free Agency Targets After Dejounte Murray Traded to Pelicans

If you’re unable to acquire one star Hawks guard, why not attempt to trade for another one?

After selecting French forward Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft on Wednesday, Atlanta could pivot towards a younger roster. Fischer reported on Friday that the Hawks are expected to “gauge trade possibilities” for Young and the “rest of their rostered players” outside of Risacher and forward Jalen Johnson.

The three-time All-Star point guard wrapped up another tremendous season with Atlanta, averaging 25.7 points and 10.8 assists per game. Although he shot just 43.0 percent from the field, he remained one of the league’s deadliest three-point shooters by connecting on 37.3 percent of his 8.7 long-range attempts each night.

While the addition of Young would drastically alter the Lakers’ offense, change could be exactly what new head coach JJ Redick wants. Charania, Sam Amick, and Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported on June 20 that Redick discussed his plans for an offensive system that would utilize James off the ball when he interviewed with the team.

Acquiring Young, who ranked No. 3 among all players in average time of possession last season, would allow the NBA’s all-time leading scorer to operate in an off-ball role and conserve his energy for a potential playoff run (via NBA.com).

There appears to be mutual interest if the Lakers pursue a trade, as Los Angeles is reportedly “appealing” to Young if he ends up getting dealt (per Fischer).

If Pelinka wants to make a blockbuster move in the offseason, acquiring the former Oklahoma standout may be his best opportunity to do so.