Trae Young Nets Trade Sends Harris Ivey To Hawks

Merlin sees Trae Young and his reps "working with the Atlanta Hawks to find his ticket out of town," per Shams Charania, sparking trade chatter. Interest is real but muted thanks to Young's defensive holes and massive contract. A proposed three-team swap would send Young and a 2028 first to Brooklyn, Tobias Harris, Ron Holland II and Jaden Ivey to Atlanta, and Michael Porter Jr., Cam Thomas and a 2029 second to Detroit, reshuffling fits and needs across the East. The Nets would get an inexpensive shot at a proven scorer, Atlanta would lean into length and defensive potential while replacing some creation with veteran scoring, and Detroit would add finishing punch for Cade Cunningham at the cost of a prized rookie. Merlin smells opportunity and risk in equal measure as all three clubs weigh short term gain against long term identity.