Last season’s most shocking trade, Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, left a blatant hint on the next stage of Trae Young’s career. As reported by Noah Weber of ‘The Smoking Cuban,’ Young was mentioned as the next superstar in line to be traded right as Doncic moved states. Fast forward to earlier this week, the four-time all-star’s name is buzzing around the NBA’s deadline news, which is a massive red flag.
However, this red flag had sectors: the facts, trends, and statistics. Young, as the first option, made the 8-10 seeds in the Eastern Conference, also known as the play-in tournament, his second home.
Additionally, Young is well-regarded for turning the ball over excessively and possessing detrimental defensive ratings, and he has been injured in his lower extremities on multiple occasions this season.
Thus, the Clippers were ultimately warned not to take a deal on Young, well before their recent interest. No team should have eyes for a player who was once predicted to inevitably enter the trade block.
Trae Young’s contract should immediately raise a stop signal to the Clippers
Trae Young on the LA Clippers and Luka Doncic on the Los Angeles Lakers would be a story for the books. They are two of the top three guards of their class, were included in a debatable swap, and would face off in the most well-known rivalry across the association.
Furthermore, the excitement aspect of Trae Young’s addition would be evident. He is always looking for highlight dimes and flashy finishes to celebrate emphatically and elevate the mentality he embraces to the next level.
In fact, throughout his eight-year NBA career, Young has posted 25.2 points and 9.8 assists.
On the contrary, does his thrilling play-style and all-star averages match the value of his $45.9 million contract this season and $48.9 million player-option next? No, and to the Clippers’ disadvantage, they cannot afford Young and James Harden, who would combine for over $80 million, in the same backcourt.
Once upon a time, Young was worth the top dollar. Yet, in year eight, the veteran point guard does not have the same value. In reality, it is a lot less, and the Atlanta Hawks have learned the hard way.
That said, Young is far from a player the Clippers could just take a flyer on. He is a superstar floor general on a high-level salary, but his name was on an alert list when Doncic was forced, against his will, to switch homes in the Western Conference.