Given their objectives, the Miami Heat may require additional offensive firepower. While it may seem too dramatic, Trae Young is one guy that could cure all of their problems on that end.
Young may find a new home this summer, and if the Atlanta Hawks do deal him, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey has proposed the following trade, which would send him to the Heat.
Heat receives: Young and Kobe Bufkin.
Hawks get Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Terry Rozier, 2028 first-round pick swap, and 2030 first-round pick swap.
Bailey outlined why Young was a good fit for Miami.
“For Miami, this would be a talent move. The Heat finished 21st in offensive rating this season, and Young, despite his weaknesses and the constant barrage of criticism he’s received over the years, remains one of the NBA’s most dynamic offensive engines.”
He noted that if a deal occurred, the Heat would need to shore up their depth, but he was hopeful about their ability to do it.
“The Heat would have to scour free agency or the undrafted free agent market to find depth around Young, Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo, but they’ve proven adept at that in the past.”
Young and the Hawks haven’t enjoyed much success since their Cinderella run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021. Young will start the third year of a five-year, $215 million contract.
Hawks ‘Open’ to Trading Trae Young: Report
The Hawks may face significant adjustments as a result of their underwhelming performance in the Eastern Conference Finals. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype suggested that the Hawks could deal either Young or Murray this offseason.
“There is a general expectation among competitor executives that the Hawks will break up their backcourt and trade Trae Young or Dejounte Murray this offseason. In previous years, there was tremendous opposition to trading Young, but rival executives feel Atlanta will be more open to the discussion this summer than ever before.”
Young has a long list of accomplishments, including three All-Star appearances and an All-NBA selection. If he is on the market, Bailey’s offer would be a solid one for Young. Miami has struck home runs with several transactions, including those for Shaquille O’Neal and Jimmy Butler.
The Hawks star has flaws, but the Heat are running out of time with Butler. Young might save Miami’s remaining time with Butler.
Trae Young’s Teammate Called ‘Realistic’ Heat Option
In a May 22 story, Bailey highlighted why Murray is a viable choice for the Heat.
“His defense isn’t as good as it was with the San Antonio Spurs, but Miami might bring him back there. Murray, Bam Adebayo, and Jimmy Butler (if he’s still around) might form a nightmare defense.
“Murray’s playmaking and improved outside shot would also represent an offensive upgrade over last season’s point guard minutes from Kyle Lowry and Terry Rozier.”
Since acquiring Murray, the Hawks have not performed as expected. Murray has made the All-Star team and is a terrific size for a point guard. He’s the ultimate matchup dilemma. Even if things haven’t gone as planned for him and the Hawks, it’s possible that his miscasting is to blame.
