The Lakers are now the favored to get the three-time All-Star guard if the Hawks decide to deal Trae Young during the 2024 summer.

The Cavaliers’ All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell and Young are expected to be the Lakers’ top targets during the 2024 offseason.

Based on their performance in the 2024 postseason, Cleveland will decide whether to move Mitchell, a free agent in 2025. However, multiple NBA sources predict that the Hawks would put Young up for trade. Following their failure to qualify for the 2024 NBA Playoffs, the Hawks have reportedly chosen to part ways with its backcourt tandem, Dejounte Murray and Nick Young.

In his email on April 20, Marc Stein stated, “There is a growing belief in many corners of the league that Atlanta’s preference would actually be shopping Young.”

Lakers Ready to Make a Splash

According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers are anticipated to make a strong push to acquire Young if and when he becomes available through a trade.With Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura’s cap-friendly contracts and three tradeable first-round picks (2024, 2029, and 20311), the Lakers have everything they need to make a major impression in the trade market.According to team sources who spoke with ESPN on January 20, “The Lakers have discussed internally the possibility of packaging three picks along with players they already have on their books to pursue a bona fide star such as Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers or Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks.”Young, meanwhile, has stated that he wants to stay in Atlanta and has also hinted that he wants to be in a winning position.”Obviously, teams vary from year to year. During his farewell interview on April 19, Young stated, “I want to be here, but I want to win.” “I mean, that is pretty much all it is for me; that is my motto and that has been me from the beginning. I want to be here, I want to win championships here, and do that.”