As the Atlanta Hawks struggle to rise above the .500 mark and face yet another Play-In Tournament scenario, speculation is growing about the future of their franchise star, Trae Young. With the team failing to advance past the first round of the playoffs since their 2021 Eastern Conference Finals run, the Hawks may need a major move to keep Young satisfied in Atlanta.
One potential blockbuster trade proposal gaining traction involves former Oklahoma City Thunder center Domantas Sabonis. According to Fadeaway World, the Hawks could attempt to acquire Sabonis from the Sacramento Kings in a deal designed to bolster their frontcourt and maximize Young’s offensive impact.
Proposed Trade Package:
- Hawks Receive: Domantas Sabonis
- Kings Receive: Clint Capela (Sign-and-Trade), Zaccharie Risacher, Georges Niang, 2029 First-Round Pick (ATL), 2030 First-Round Pick (ATL)
Sabonis, originally drafted by the Orlando Magic with the 11th overall pick in 2016, was quickly traded to the Thunder alongside Victor Oladipo in exchange for Serge Ibaka. After a season in Oklahoma City, he was then dealt to the Indiana Pacers in the Paul George trade—a move that indirectly led to the Thunder acquiring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the Clippers years later.
Now a three-time All-Star with the Kings, Sabonis has developed into one of the league’s most skilled big men, excelling as both a post scorer and a playmaker. His ability to facilitate offense would pair well with Young, allowing the Hawks to run a more dynamic attack centered around their star point guard.
Why This Trade Makes Sense for Atlanta
Bringing in Sabonis would give the Hawks an elite passing big man who can control the paint while Young operates from the perimeter. Atlanta’s offense has often relied heavily on Young’s ability to create, but Sabonis’ presence could alleviate that pressure, providing another high-IQ playmaker capable of orchestrating the team’s half-court sets.
Additionally, Sabonis’ ability to dominate the boards and contribute defensively would give the Hawks a more balanced lineup. While Clint Capela has been a solid interior presence, Sabonis offers a more versatile offensive game that could better complement Atlanta’s roster.
What This Means for the Kings
Sacramento, currently building around De’Aaron Fox and their young core, could see this as an opportunity to reshape their roster. By acquiring a package including Capela, a top prospect in Zaccharie Risacher, and multiple first-round picks, the Kings would gain flexibility to continue improving their team for the future.
Sabonis is reportedly seeking “clarity” on Sacramento’s long-term plans, per Sam Amick and Anthony Slater of The Athletic. If the Kings are unable to convince him to commit beyond 2025, they may look to move him while his trade value remains high.
Could This Move Keep Trae Young in Atlanta?
The biggest concern for the Hawks remains the long-term commitment of Trae Young. If Atlanta fails to build a contending team around him, the possibility of Young seeking an exit will only increase. Adding a high-impact player like Sabonis could help stabilize the franchise, giving Young a legitimate co-star to work with and increasing their chances of making a deeper playoff run.
While no official trade talks have surfaced, the speculation surrounding Sabonis and the Hawks signals that Atlanta could be preparing for a pivotal offseason. If this move comes to fruition, it could drastically alter the landscape of the Eastern Conference while securing Young’s future with the Hawks.