Jake Fischer, of The Stein Line, posted on X on Monday that several teams were “considering trade avenues” to add Washington Wizards guard Trae Young. Those teams still may be interested in the 27-year-old, but it looks as though they might be able to obtain him in free agency rather than giving up assets in a trade. Andscape’s Marc Spears reported on Wednesday night that Young plans to decline his $48.97 million player option to become a free agent.
Here is a look at several teams that should be interested in obtaining Young.
Trae Young to Miami Heat rumors
Fischer mentioned in his Monday tweet that Young would likely be the target of teams that miss out on the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, specifically Miami. It sure seems like 81-year-old Pat Riley is looking to own one more summer of headlines when it comes to the NBA hot stove. It wouldn’t be anything like the LeBron and Chris Bosh summer of 2010. But should Riley miss out on Giannis, the Heat become the logical landing spot for Young.
Trae Young to LA Lakers rumors
Should LeBron James return to Cleveland, or wind up with Golden State, or head to some surprise locale, the Lakers will have a good amount of cash to throw around this summer. The $48 million Rob Pelinka will be working with this summer is second-highest in the NBA.
On the surface, it seems as though Young would be an awkward match with Luka Doncic as both players are ball dominant.
However, Doncic mostly made it work with Kyrie Irving, who shares many similarities with Young, running the show in Dallas, as the duo made an NBA Finals appearance in 2024.
Trae Young to Chicago Bulls
Speaking of a big market team with money to throw around this summer, new Bulls executive Bryson Graham will have an estimated NBA-high $69.6 million to spend. There are a couple of factors working against this idea, however.
First, the Bulls’ new vice president of basketball operations was in the Atlanta front office for one year. It was this past season when the Hawks traded Young to Washington.
It’s unknown how “on board” Graham was with that decision considering he wasn’t the one with ultimate say in the organization, but it’s certainly notable.
Also, it seems as though it would be an awkward combo at point guard with Josh Giddey already on the roster.
With a new front office and coaching staff, though, pretty much anything is on the table with Chicago - including bringing in Young.
Trae Young to Celtics rumors
As Fischer wrote earlier this week, teams that miss out on Giannis may look to Young as a Plan B.
Even if the Celtics do land Giannis, Celtics boss Brad Stevens may look at adding Young.
Stevens learned the executive ropes from Danny Ainge, who was a true believer that legit championship contenders always had a “Big Three” contingent of superstar players.
Young would actually take a pay cut this coming season if he does indeed opt out in Washington. He is reportedly in search of a longterm, multi-year deal.
If the Celtics do trade for Giannis, there will likely be plenty of players being jettisoned in addition to Jaylen Brown. If Stevens does opt to have a complete overhaul of the roster, outside of Jayson Tatum, grabbing Young on a long-term deal may be worth it. A “Big Three” of Giannis, Tatum, and Young would certainly move the needle in the East.
In addition, with the Knicks set to be the Celtics’ primary rival in the conference for the foreseeable future, Stevens might take an extra hard look at the NBA’s resident Knicks-killer.
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