Trae Young Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

It is no secret the Los Angeles Lakers are on the hunt for another star player, and while they are unlikely to snag one at the NBA trade deadline, they could be a player in a possible Trae Young trade market this summer.

It has been another disappointing season thus far for the Lakers. Despite three stars and a new head coach, the team is three games under .500 with a record of 23-26 and resides outside the available playoff spots in the NBA standings.

Certainly, Anthony Davis’ month-long absence with a foot injury has had a major effect, but considering Lebron James’ outstanding play the last two months as he chases the NBA scoring record, the team should still be better than a below .500 team. Unfortunately, the team is not expected to make a major move before the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline.

While it is widely known that the team is willing to part with two future first-round picks, they are still limited by the players they can add in a deal and lack of cap flexibility. However, that could change this summer and a chase for one of the best young players in the game could be possible.

Los Angeles Lakers could target a trade for Trae Young this summer

Another team that has been disappointing during the 2022-2023 NBA season is the Atlanta Hawks. Heading into Thursday, the team is only a game over .500 despite a talented roster and backcourt featuring stars Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.

Over the last couple of months, rumors of drama inside the organization have circulated, including speculation that head coach Nate McMillan and Young could be looking for an escape from Atlanta.

On Wednesday, Bleacher Report NBA insider Eric Pincus gave an update on the Hawks and Young situation. While both sides aren’t necessarily pushing for a trade at the moment, a source revealed when a market could be formed, and the Los Angeles Lakers place in it.

“I think Trae will want out after the season,” one NBA source said. “The Hawks probably try to get out of John Collins and others by the deadline, but Trae’s a long shot. Maybe the [Lakers] in July with his ties to Klutch [Sports].”

– Report on Trae Young trade market
  • Trae Young stats (2022-2023): 27.1 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 9.9 APG, 32% 3PT

In the summer, the Lakers will have Russell Westbrook’s massive contract off the books and future first-round picks that are a year closer. While a team like the New York Knicks and their horde of draft picks should have a better chance to trade for Young, Atlanta may prefer to send him out west and avoid a larger amount of future games a possible playoff clashes against Young in the NBA playoffs.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Thursday's NCAA men's tournament Sweet 16 takeaways: New faces going to the Elite Eight
Did breakup with J-Lo cost Alex Rodriguez the Timberwolves?
Draymond Green explains what happened with his latest ejection
Rob Manfred makes first public comments on MLB’s Shohei Ohtani investigation
Watch: Mike Trout hits first home run of 2024 MLB season off Corbin Burnes
Jets owner blasts report about alleged 'heated conversation' with HC Robert Saleh
Browns GM names player he wants to 'retain as long as possible'
UNC HC Mack Brown explains why ceiling for QB Drake Maye is 'so high'
Watch: Massive three-point swing helps No. 4 Alabama stun No. 1 North Carolina in Sweet 16
Watch: Diamondbacks set franchise record with 14-run inning
UConn continues historic run of dominance after rout of San Diego State
No. 2 Arizona beat themselves in Sweet 16 upset to No. 6 Clemson
Watch: Rangers' World Series banner unveiling leaves a lot to be desired
Watch: Kendall Diggs' three-run blast lifts Arkansas to victory over LSU
Watch: Juan Soto cuts down runner at plate to save game for Yankees
Royals' Cole Ragans sets franchise record in impressive Opening Day start
Guardians trade for two pitchers to round out Opening Day roster
Patrick Beverley's decision to play through his injury is a boost for Bucks
Corbin Burnes dominates in Orioles debut, significantly raises their ceiling
Watch: Base running error spoils Shohei Ohtani's first home Dodgers at-bat