Trae Young instantly jumped to the forefront of the NBA dialogue when he was drafted again in 2018. He was a part of a high-profile commerce that despatched him to the Atlanta Hawks from the Dallas Mavericks in trade for Luka Doncic.
The commerce was stunningly even for the primary few years after Younger and Doncic each led their groups to the convention finals inside their first 4 seasons, however the former’s momentum has slowed a ton.
The star level guard didn’t win one other playoff sequence after taking his group to the doorstep of the Finals in 2021 and was caught within the play-in match for his closing 4 seasons in Atlanta. With an rising younger core and little to no playoff success, the Hawks realized it was time for a change and shipped Younger to the Washington Wizards on the commerce deadline earlier this yr.
The previous No. 5 general decide was restricted to simply 15 video games within the 2025-26 season, and solely 5 with Washington, so now the group is at a crossroads. NBA insider Jake Fischer not too long ago introduced that Wizards brass is conflicted about whether or not to increase Younger’s contract or commerce him to one of many a number of groups checking on his availability.
After Fischer’s report, Marc J. Spears of ESPN mentioned Younger “plans to say no” his participant possibility that is value $48.97 million with the intention to change into a free agent on Monday. The Wizards are nonetheless the “front-runner” for Younger, per Spears.
Why the Timberwolves make sense for Trae Younger
None of those potential suitors have been confirmed but apart from the Miami Heat, but when there’s any group that must be all-in on Younger, it’s the Minnesota Timberwolves. Their playoff runs have been derailed by the shortage of a secondary ball-handler for 2 straight seasons, they usually have to be doing every part they will to change into respectable contenders with Anthony Edwards.
The younger capturing guard has one of many extra spectacular resumes for his age, with 4 All-Star picks, two All-NBA picks and an Olympic gold medal all on the age of 24. He’s already had two convention finals appearances, however Minnesota’s lack of star energy and absence of a real level guard have considerably capped its ceiling.
Mike Conley can nonetheless deal with the ball, however he’s practically 40 years outdated and might’t be relied on practically as a lot as he used to. That is the place Younger is available in, an elite scorer who additionally has the power to steer the league in assists.
The four-time All-Star would enable Edwards to play his pure place of capturing guard full-time, and may very well be the man to unlock Rudy Gobert offensively. The Frenchman is notoriously a legal responsibility on that facet of the ball, however Younger has proved to be the most effective alley-oop throwers in NBA historical past and will make the four-time Defensive Participant of the Yr a severe menace.
In fact, to accumulate a participant like Younger in a possible sign-and-trade state of affairs, the Timberwolves must put collectively a strong bundle. Fortunately, they’ve Julius Randle on a big contract and a full complement of younger gamers with untapped potential to commerce. They don’t have as many draft picks to supply as they nonetheless have picks to ship out from after they acquired Gobert in 2022, however Younger’s commerce worth additionally isn’t nice in the mean time.
Atlanta couldn’t even get a decide again for the miniature guard, solely receiving CJ McCollum and sharpshooter Corey Kispert in return. That ought to be promising for Minnesota, figuring out it doesn’t should relinquish a ton of belongings to welcome a participant who may assist it ascend to the following stage. If Washington does determine to commerce Younger, the Timberwolves have to be persistent of their pursuit.
