NBA writer eyes Bucks as trade destination for Hawks star Trae Young

The Milwaukee Bucks have had a busy offseason, taking significant financial risks to keep their championship window with Giannis Antetokounmpo open. 

The Bucks signed former rival big man Myles Turner to a four-year, $108.9 million deal. To create the necessary cap space, the team waived and stretched the remaining $113 million on Damian Lillard's contract, as he's expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 campaign due to a torn Achilles. 

Milwaukee also managed to re-sign several key rotation players like Bobby Portis Jr., Gary Trent Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr., while adding Cole Anthony and Gary Harris. Still, there remains a clear lack of star power in Milwaukee, even with the Eastern Conference wide open. 

MORE: Giannis Antetokounmpo tops Eastern Conference player rankings for 2025-26 season

Brandon Austin of Pro Football & Sports Network floated the idea that the Bucks could target Atlanta Hawks star point guard Trae Young, who has yet to receive a contract extension this summer. 

“At just 26, his hefty salary already ranks among the NBA’s highest, raising questions about Atlanta's long-term value and financial flexibility,” he wrote. “...If Atlanta is unsure about a max extension, exploring trade options now could help avoid trading Young for nothing.”

Young, a career 25.5 PPG scorer, has a player option for the 2026-27 campaign and is reportedly disappointed he hasn't received an extension yet. With the Hawks adding Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard, the team may be reluctant to pay Young, especially with Dyson Daniels in line for a new deal. 

While Young has been the face of the team for seven seasons, the Hawks have only advanced past the first round of the playoffs once in that span. They've also missed the postseason in back-to-back years, leading to uncertainty about his long-term future in Atlanta. 

Milwaukee has already shown a willingness to take bold financial swings and could position itself to make a move for Young during the 2025-26 season. His elite playmaking would be a natural fit alongside Antetokounmpo, and a shift to a No. 2 scoring option may benefit Young. 

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