According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, there was an offseason push from Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine‘s side to try to interest the Atlanta Hawks in a Trae Young trade.
The Kings needed a point guard after trading De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs last season.
“There was an offseason push from Zach LaVine’s side, sources say, to try to interest Atlanta in a swap that would have landed Trae Young with the Kings,” Fischer wrote. “Sources also say that, when Monte McNair was running Sacramento’s front office, there was some exploration — at least internally — of De’Aaron Fox-for-Young trade structures.
“But I’ve since heard rather strongly that Scott Perry does not intend to pursue Young, LaMelo Ball or Ja Morant. None of those lead guards is known for the sort of defensive toughness that the Kings’ new regime has made it clear will be a priority.”
Young is currently out with a sprained MCL in his right knee. Extension talks between Young and the Hawks “haven’t progressed,” according to NBA insider Brian Windhorst of ESPN.
Young, one of the top players in the NBA, is eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension.
The Kings acquired Dennis Schröder from the Detroit Pistons in a sign-and-trade deal and signed future Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook to address their point guard spot.
Sacramento is 4-13 on the season and could trade LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and/or Domantas Sabonis.
“Maybe this was inevitable after a 41-point loss to the Morant-less Grizzlies, but league sources say that the Kings are willing to listen to offers for players up and down their roster … particularly for Sacramento’s veterans,” Fischer wrote. “Just don’t get your hopes up about your favorite team acquiring the recently re-signed Keegan Murray. … or last June’s prized first-round pick Nique Clifford. Sources say both will be off the table in upcoming trade talks.”
LaVine is making $47.5 million this season. The two-time All-Star is averaging 21.4 points per game through 15 games this season while shooting 39.8% from beyond the arc.
A UCLA product, LaVine has a player option worth $48.9 million for next season.