Hawks Target Anthony Davis Trae Young Off Limits

Merlin sees Atlanta quietly circling Anthony Davis as a trade target. Chris Haynes says the Hawks "remain very intrigued" but any deal "would not involve" Trae Young. The Mavericks would seek young assets, draft picks and expiring contracts, and Davis health plus the Feb 5 deadline will shape whether talks go anywhere. Merlin hears skepticism around the league that Atlanta "would sacrifice the assets and (Kristaps) Porziņģis' expiring deal for Davis." Young’s recent scoring and playmaking make him valuable if the Hawks want to protect their core, while injuries to Young and Porziņģis leave a tempting gap at big man. Over the next six weeks Atlanta will weigh a bold splash against staying patient.