Following the shocking Luka Doncic trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, it seems like no superstar is safe in the NBA and with the trade deadline coming up in the next month there are several high-profile players that could be on the move.
The Doncic trade remains perplexing to this day, with players like Jaylen Brown calling it one of the worst ever. Regardless, the Lakers aren’t complaining as it reset the storied franchise and extended its championships aspirations for the foreseeable future.
In a wide-open Eastern Conference, the Atlanta Hawks decided to shake up their roster in a huge way by trading Trae Young to the Washington Wizards in exchange for C.J. McCollum and Corey Kispert. Young was widely expected to be traded at some point because he holds a player option for nearly $50 million for the 2026-27 season and Atlanta didn’t seem interested in extending him. For the Wizards, Young gives them a credible offensive point guard that can help in the development of some of their young prospects like Alex Sarr and Bub Carrington.
Doncic and Young have been linked together since the 2018 NBA Draft as they were technically traded for each other. When news broke of the deal, Doncic wished Young the best on his new journey in Washington, via Spectrum SportsNet:
“Obviously we came in together and got traded for each other, so it’s been a lot of talk about me and him. But we have a great relationship, I have a lot of respect for him. If he’s excited for this new journey, I’m excited for him.”
Young reportedly had the Wizards atop his wish list and it was granted as he now heads to a rebuilding franchise. For the Hawks, this opens up more cap space and flexibility as McCollum’s contract is set to expire after this season. By early accounts, it seems Atlanta will look to build the roster around Jalen Johnson and continue to search the trade market to accomplish that.
The trade does not mean much to the Lakers and Doncic, though it’s a reminder that star players can be had for the right price. With Los Angeles still looking to compete for a championship this year, they might be a team to watch out for during the deadline.
Lakers future draft picks viewed as less valuable after Luka Doncic trade
The Lakers’ future first-round picks are their greatest trade assets, though they’ve been reluctant to part with them. However, even if they did decide to move their picks it seems they are viewed as less valuable around the league after the Doncic trade.
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