Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

If Carmelo Anthony is endorsing it, Trae Young should think twice about Spurs move

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 3/8/24

The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly considering Trae Young's future with the franchise. The San Antonio Spurs have been floated as a potential trade partner. Putting the All-Star guard and Victor Wembanyama on the same team would instantly propel the Spurs back to relevancy.

On Thursday's episode of the "7 PM in Brooklyn" podcast, former All-Star Carmelo Anthony shared his thoughts on Young potentially moving to the rebuilding Western Conference franchise.

“Trae? Yea! Hell yeah," Anthony said. "I think you need another alpha. Trae Young brings a certain type of energy. So I think that’s something San Antonio should look at."

Anthony enjoyed a Hall of Fame-worthy career. However, he never found success at the highest level. He made some high-profile moves during his career. None of them went according to plan. As such, Young may be smart to do the opposite of what Anthony advises.

Young recently admitted that he wants to bring a championship to the Hawks. He has been with the franchise since it drafted him with the fifth overall pick in 2018. However, his defensive limitations have made it difficult for Atlanta's front office to build a contending team around him.

On paper, a partnership with Wembanyama makes sense. The rookie big man could anchor the defensive end, empowering Young to be the playmaking whiz we know he can be. Wembanyama's offensive versatility would give the veteran guard a genuine weapon in the pick-and-roll and when looking for drive and kick options.

Still, Young's future is likely out of his hands. The Hawks have him under contract. If they choose to trade him, it's unclear whether they will take his wishes into consideration. Yet, if Anthony believes the Spurs would be a good destination, maybe it's wise for Young to think twice before pushing to be sent there. After all, Anthony's track record of asking to be traded to specific places never worked out the way he wanted it to.

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