Trae Young’s name has swirled around trade rumors for years, but the latest development could mark the most seismic shift yet—not just for the Atlanta Hawks, but for the entire Western Conference. The Phoenix Suns are reportedly eyeing a blockbuster move to acquire the All-Star point guard in a deal that could not only redefine their championship window but also send shockwaves through a Western Conference already packed with star power. With Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal already on the roster, the Suns’ rumored interest in Young signals a clear intention: they are going all-in, again, and this time the stakes are even higher.
For Phoenix, the 2024-25 season ended in bitter disappointment, with yet another playoff exit that fell short of expectations. The trio of Durant, Booker, and Beal was supposed to light up the league, but instead, injuries, lack of depth, and inconsistent playmaking plagued their campaign. In the wake of that disappointment, the Suns’ front office appears willing to do whatever it takes to right the ship. And the solution, in their eyes, might be a cold-blooded, high-volume, playmaking maestro from Atlanta: Trae Young.
Young has been the face of the Hawks franchise since he arrived via draft-day trade in 2018. Over the years, he’s averaged nearly 25 points and 9 assists per game, proving himself as one of the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons. Yet despite his individual brilliance, the Hawks have consistently underwhelmed in the postseason, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals only once in 2021. Since then, internal friction, coaching changes, and roster instability have clouded Atlanta’s future. With general manager Landry Fields reportedly open to retooling the roster and emphasizing long-term growth, moving Young might not be unthinkable anymore—it might be inevitable.
The Suns, armed with veteran stars but no traditional floor general, see an opportunity. Bradley Beal was handed point guard responsibilities last season, but that experiment yielded mixed results. Booker is a capable secondary playmaker but thrives most when freed up to score. Durant, meanwhile, at 36, needs less responsibility and more support. Trae Young could be the missing piece, the engine that orchestrates a high-powered offense and enables Phoenix’s stars to operate in their most comfortable roles. His arrival would allow the Suns to balance scoring across four elite weapons while boosting their half-court execution—something they sorely lacked.
However, pulling off such a deal won’t be easy. Young is under contract through 2027, and any trade will likely require significant assets. The Suns are light on draft picks, having emptied the war chest for the Beal and Durant acquisitions. That leaves only one real option: send one of their current stars packing. Most speculation points to Beal, given his large contract and the redundancy in his role with Young. However, Beal holds a full no-trade clause, complicating matters. If he refuses to waive it, Phoenix would be forced to get creative—possibly involving a third team or moving ancillary pieces like Jusuf Nurkić, Grayson Allen, and whatever young talent they can package.
There’s also the question of fit. Young is a defensive liability, and adding him to a Suns lineup that already struggles on that end could spell trouble. Durant and Booker have the length and intelligence to mask some of his deficiencies, but come playoff time, opposing teams will target him mercilessly. The Suns would need to surround their core with defenders and rim protectors to survive. In a Western Conference that features the likes of Luka Dončić, Jamal Murray, Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and now Victor Wembanyama, that could be a tall order.
And yet, Phoenix might not care. They are in win-now mode, and Trae Young represents the boldest possible swing. At just 26, he brings youth and long-term upside while still being in his prime. He’s playoff tested, he thrives in high-stakes moments, and he gives the Suns something they sorely lack: a dynamic point guard who can create offense for himself and others at an elite level. The idea of Young throwing lobs to Durant, kicking out to Booker for corner threes, or pulling up from 30 feet himself is tantalizing. It’s also chaotic and risky—exactly the kind of gamble that can break a team or make it a champion.
For Atlanta, the calculus is different. Trading Young would signal the end of an era but might usher in a more balanced roster construction. They’ve already re-signed Dejounte Murray and drafted Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 overall pick. Building around size, defense, and versatility could be the new mandate. Moving Young would bring back assets to speed up the transition and allow the Hawks to redefine themselves. They know what they have in Trae Young—but they’re not convinced it’s enough. In that light, a fresh start might benefit both sides.
As with all blockbuster trades, the ripple effects would be felt far and wide. In the Western Conference, adding Young to the Suns immediately elevates them into top-tier contention, assuming health. It would also force rivals like the Lakers, Nuggets, and Thunder to reconsider their strategies. Suddenly, Phoenix wouldn’t just be a superteam in name—they’d be one in function. Four elite scorers, each capable of taking over games, would give them an offensive ceiling unmatched across the NBA.
Still, there are reasons for caution. Chemistry doesn’t always translate from paper to hardwood. The Brooklyn Nets learned that the hard way. The Suns must consider not just the talent upgrade, but the locker room dynamic. Trae Young has clashed with coaches and teammates in the past. Integrating him into a veteran locker room led by two future Hall of Famers isn’t guaranteed to be seamless. But if head coach Mike Budenholzer—ironically Young’s former coach in Atlanta—can manage egos and bring structure, the gamble might pay off in the biggest way possible.
