2 players + 4 first rounds, Rockets can pursue the Hawks Trae Young s trading plan during the offseason

The Hawks may let Trae Young trade freely in the offseason. So, what kind of plan will the Rockets use to trade this star point guard?

Houston Rockets successfully secured second in the Western Conference in the 2024-25 season. Fred VanVleet is an experienced veteran who led the young team to advance. However, the Rockets lost to the Golden State Warriors in the first round, becoming the seventh second-seeded team in history to lose to the No. 7 seed in the first round.

This loss exposed the Rockets' most obvious flaw. They need more shooting and star power, and while they rely heavily on VanVleet to provide that, he is likely not the player who can lead the team to the next level. Trae Young and VanVleet are very similar, but it is also a major improvement for the team's current point guard. Will the Rockets trade Young? The Rockets hold the team option for VanVleet’s contract, and the Atlanta Hawks may be ready to give up Young as they missed the playoffs for two consecutive years. So, what is the transaction plan from Young to Houston?

Rockets Trae Young's trading plan

Rockets get: Trae Young

Eagles get: Fred VanVleett, Reed Shepard, 2025 first-round draft pick (from the Suns), 2027 first-round draft pick (from the Suns), 2028 first-round draft pick (protected with the top four picks)

Note: The Rockets must execute VanVleett's team options to complete this deal.

Yang and VanVleet share many common weaknesses. Both are short, so there are limitations on the defensive end. However, VanVleet's efforts on the defensive end were enough to make him feel at ease on the defensive end.

However, Young's defensive end has led to the Hawks' poor performance for four consecutive seasons. The Hawks have been unable to equip Young with players who can help the team get through the difficulties, so they may be willing to trade the Oklahoma player. Young's defensive limitations may scare some teams away, but the Rockets should not be afraid to trade Young.

First, the Houston Rockets' elite defensive lineup can cover up Young's defensive problems. The coaching of Amen Thompson, Tari Ethan, Dillon Brooks, Jabarri Smith and Ime Udoka have made the Rockets one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, so opponents can’t keep their eyes on Young as often in Houston as they were in Atlanta.

In addition, Yang can also bring huge improvements to the team's offense. The point guard led the league with 11.6 assists per game, and he had previously been the scoring leader. Yang's organizational offensive ability is first-class. He can break through and score, and his range is far beyond the three-point line.

The Rockets often stagnate on the offensive end, but Young can create opportunities for himself and his teammates at any time. Get him through the trade, the Rockets can get the stars they need without too much change in tactical systems, because Young plays in a similar way to VanVleet.

Are the Eagles ready to break the deadlock and trade Trae Young? The Eagles are in modest form at the moment, so they may be willing to accept the reconstruction. The team has never been tailored to maximize Young's skills as last year, but they still failed to make the playoffs.

Dyson Daniels nearly won the Defensive Player of the Year award and eventually won the Fastest Progressive Player of the League. Even though Young got a top defensive player in the backcourt, the Hawks still rank tenth last in the league in defensive strength.

The Rockets have a lot of valuable draft picks to trade, and the best chance for the Hawks to get rid of mediocrity is to trade Young.

In this deal, the Hawks will receive three first-round picks. The Phoenix Suns' 2025 first-round pick is in the lottery zone, while the Suns' 2027 first-round pick is also likely to be at the top of the first round. The Suns are also expected to break the rules, so they may still be in the reconstruction phase by 2027.

Reed Shepard is also a player worth betting on. The Rockets selected him with a tiebreaker in 2024, but due to insufficient lineup depth, he rarely has the chance to play as a rookie.

This Kentucky-born player has great potential and has performed very well in the Development League this season. Shepard may eventually succeed him as Atlanta’s star defender, but before that, VanVleet may fill some of the gaps left by Young after he left.

Yang has been circulated for several seasons of trading shortlist, and now it may finally be the right time to trade him. Jaylen Johnson will return from injury next season, and the Hawks can take him on and become the team’s star player.