The Atlanta Hawks failed to reach an extension with four-time All-Star guard Trae Young prior to the 2025 season. Since then, the talented floor general has been a popular name in the rumor mill, with many believing he could be traded sometime this season.
Although there are no reports that the Hawks are actively shopping him, their unwillingness to commit to him long-term would at least suggest that they are open to moving on from the star guard. Should the team begin fielding offers for Young, one former Hawks star has already suggested the perfect trade partner for Atlanta.
During a November 19 episode of the “Club 520 Podcast,” 12-year NBA veteran and Hawks scout Jeff Teague proposed trading Trae Young to Orlando in exchange for Franz Wagner.
“I don’t want Trae [Young] to leave Atlanta. I like Trae in the A,” Teague said on his morning podcast. “But if he had to leave.. I like him in Orlando. If you could get Franz [Wagner] and [Jalen] Suggs, maybe a couple young guys, you might be alright.”
Pairing Trae Young With Paolo Banchero Could Form a Dynamic Duo in Orlando
Trae Young and Paolo Banchero could form fearsome Eastern Conference tandem
Since being drafted by Atlanta in 2018, Young has never had the opportunity to play with a true star. In fact, Young has never shared the floor with an All-Star in his seven Atlanta seasons. Despite never having a true co-star to take the pressure off him, Young is routinely among the highest scorers in the league and managed to lead the Hawks to their second-ever Eastern Conference appearance.
After showcasing his ability to elevate a franchise, Teague’s half-hearted trade proposal would allow Young to do the same in Orlando.
Should the Magic pull off a blockbuster deal for Young, it would form perhaps the most prolific duo in franchise history in Young and Banchero. Both players are former lottery picks who have lived up to their high draft billing.
Young, 27, has recorded the most games with 20+ points and 10+ assists (194) since entering the league in 2018. The next closest is Nikola Jokic with 151 such games. Despite being known primarily for his passing prowess and ability to facilitate an offense, Young has no problem scoring in bunches. Since his rookie season, only Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokic, Devin Booker and Jayson Tatum have scored more total points. He is one of just nine players with 12,000+ points over that span.
In Orlando, he would provide a massive upgrade over incumbent starter Jalen Suggs while giving Banchero the running mate he desperately needs. Only twice have a pair of Magic teammates averaged 20+ PPG in a single season, a feat Young and Banchero figure to accomplish right away. Both All-Stars have also proven capable of handling playoff pressure, with each of them averaging 25+ PPG in their postseason careers.
Franz Wagner Could Blossom Into a Star in Atlanta
Franz Wagner is emerging into an All-Star talent
On the flip side of the coin, this trade would also be a worthwhile venture for the Magic. At 24 years old, Wagner is approaching his prime years and has already flashed immense potential. He is one of 11 players to average 24+ points, 5+ rebounds and 4+ assists last season, his fourth overall NBA campaign.
The 6-foot-10 forward is incredibly skilled for his size and his points per game total has increased each year. Alongside Jalen Johnson, Wagner would provide Atlanta with two versatile wings with superstar potential.
In Atlanta, he would have more freedom to fuel the offense as a point forward, something he can’t do often with Banchero serving the same role in Orlando.
The former Michigan standout would arguably be the best scorer in Atlanta if packaged for Young and could see his points per game output inch closer to the 30-threshold.
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