Hawks land rumored 'dream' trade targets in proposed deal with Spurs

Ever since 2022, when the San Antonio Spurs sent Dejounte Murray to the Atlanta Hawks for two future picks and a first-round pick swap, the two teams have been linked. Murray's tenure in Atlanta didn't work out, and the Hawks are now on the verge of a rebuild, but the Spurs control their future.

In theory, the Hawks could send superstar guard Trae Young to the Spurs for their picks in 2025, 2026 and 2027 back, but the Spurs likely won't give up the prized 2025 pick, as the upcoming draft class is one of the most talented in recent memory. With little room to bargain, the Hawks could cash in on one of their promising young players while his value is at an all-time high.

Desperate to get their picks back, which were listed as their "dream" trade targets by Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes on Nov. 4, the Hawks could agree to part ways with Dyson Daniels. The 21-year-old guard is averaging a career-high 14.3 points on inefficient shooting, but he is leading the NBA with 3.6 steals per game.

For Tre Jones, Atlanta's 2026 pick and the pick in 2027 (top-five protected) the Spurs could land one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA. With an eight-man rotation of Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, Chris Paul, Harrison Barnes, Julian Champagnie, Stephon Castle and Daniels, the Spurs might not have a ton of shooting or scoring options, but they would boast one of the very best defenses in the NBA.

By keeping a protection on the 2027 pick, the Spurs prevent the Hawks from fully tanking, but if they keep Young on the roster, they are unlikely to tear it down anyway. While Atlanta is unlikely to be eager to part with Daniels, a chance to get their future back is hard to pass up.

More NBA: Lakers could target castaway Magic guard to bolster defense amid NBA trade rumors