The Hawks traded Trae Young nearly a whole month before the deadline, shifting the NBA's attention to Anthony Davis and the Dallas Mavericks. A trade needs to happen, and after what ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Wednesday evening, it's clear where AD will end up — Atlanta.
With Young's salary for this season (and his looming $49 million player option) off the Hawks' books, they can pursue another player, like Davis, with a large salary. Charania said that AD is a "prime in-season trade target" for Atlanta.
Moving Young also provides Atlanta with added financial flexibility to pursue a large salary over the next several months – with Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis as a prime in-season trade target.