The Atlanta Hawks hold the No. 3 pick in next Thursday’s NBA Draft. Currently undergoing a rebuild, the Hawks definitely view the said pick as a valuable asset. That said, there are rumors that Atlanta is open to the idea of trading down in the draft while still keeping the team within the possibility of taking Oklahoma Sooners hotshot Trae Young, per Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated.

If the Hawks are able to move down within a handful of slots from No. 3 in an advantageous deal, Young could be their target. If they stay put, Jaren Jackson would make a terrific fit with Collins in the frontcourt.

Since breaking into the mainstream thanks to an explosive freshman season in Norman, Trae Young has been persistently compared with Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry. Like the two-time NBA MVP, Young does not possess great physical tools but is perhaps the best shooter among this year’s pool of NBA prospects. Woo also pointed out that Atlanta general manager Travis Schlenk was a former decision-maker in Golden State’s front office, so the idea of building a team around a Curry-type player is not at all out of the realm of possibilities for the Hawks.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray appearing at an airport with bags packed and a plane ticket in hand

Fabian Diego Miguel de la Paz ·

Trent Forrest in an Atlanta Hawks jersey with the Hawks arena in the background

David Yapkowitz ·

Spurs Gregg Popovich Victor Wembanyama Trade Young Hawks trade

Peter Sampson ·

Most mock drafts have the Hawks picking a big man at No. 3, Marvin Bagley III and Jaren Jackson Jr. in particular.

In one season with Oklahoma, Young mustered averages of 27.4 points, 8.7 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in 32 games. He also made 3.7 threes per game on 36.0 percent shooting.