NBA Rumors: The crazy trade involving Anthony Davis, Trae Young, Jonathan Kuminga, and a return of Klay Thompson to Golden State

The Atlanta Hawks have stepped up their offensive pursuit of Anthony Davis. According to Brett Siegel of Clutch Points, the Georgia franchise has become "the most serious suitor" to acquire the center from the Dallas Mavericks, in discussions that have shifted from initial talks to a direct exchange of demands between both parties.

The main hurdle remains Trae Young. Atlanta would like to include their star point guard in any deal for Davis, but Dallas' stance is firm: they have no interest in Young. For the player to move to Texas, it would require involving more teams in a multi-team operation.

The stats reinforce the internal debate in Atlanta. In the 22 games Young missed this season, the Hawks boasted the NBA's eleventh-best defensive rating and ranked ninth in wins. With him on the court, the team is being outscored by 7.3 points per 100 possessions, whereas the balance is even when he's off.

In this scenario, a new key player has emerged in the discussions. Siegel asserts that the focus of negotiations has shifted towards Zaccharie Risacher. "The Hawks are strongly pursuing Anthony Davis. We can confirm there has been direct communication about each party's desires... The piece that has become central to the talks is Zaccharie Risacher. I've been told that Atlanta has directly indicated to Dallas that they would be willing to trade him to acquire Davis," explains the journalist.

Risacher, the number one pick in the 2024 draft, is a prototypical 3-and-D small forward, with size, tactical intelligence, and great defensive versatility.

An Unprecedented Five-Team Trade

From there, Siegel presents a colossal proposal involving five teams:

Atlanta Hawks receive:

• Anthony Davis

• Zach LaVine

• D’Angelo Russell

Dallas Mavericks receive:

• Domantas Sabonis

• Zaccharie Risacher

• Luke Kennard

• 2026 first-round pick from Cleveland (via Atlanta, swap)

• 2028 first-round swap (most favorable from Atlanta and least favorable from Cleveland/Utah)

• 2026 second-round pick from Boston (via Atlanta)

Sacramento Kings receive:

• Trae Young

• Jonathan Kuminga

• Kristaps Porzingis

Golden State Warriors receive:

• Nic Claxton

• Klay Thompson

• Keon Ellis

• 2026 second-round pick from Sacramento

Brooklyn Nets receive:

• Moses Moody

• Buddy Hield

• Trayce Jackson-Davis

• 2027 first-round pick from Golden State (top-8 protected; if not conveyed, becomes 2028 unprotected first round pick)

The New Project of the Hawks

With this move, Atlanta would undergo a radical overhaul of their roster. The arrival of Anthony Davis, a ten-time All-Star and NBA champion, would significantly boost the defensive identity the team has begun to build. All this, contingent upon a key factor: Davis's health. While Zach LaVine might not precisely fit that defensive profile, AD's presence could offset his defensive shortcomings.

For the Mavericks, the operation would mean replacing Davis with Domantas Sabonis at the center position, in addition to adding Risacher, the top young talent in the deal, along with a first-round pick and exchange of picks.

The Kings, on their part, would secure the star point guard they have been seeking since De’Aaron Fox's departure. Trae Young would lead the project, supported by Jonathan Kuminga, a player the franchise has been closely monitoring since last summer, and Kristaps Porzingis.

One of the most striking aspects of the scenario is Klay Thompson's return to Golden State. The Warriors are eagerly looking for a scorer to complement Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, and the reunion with one of the Splash Brothers is as nostalgic as it is functional. Additionally, Nic Claxton's arrival would address an evident need for rim protection.

As in many of the major operations circulating this season, the Nets would assume the role of facilitators, primarily aiming to secure a first-round draft pick.

This is a bold, aggressive, and extremely creative proposal. With only five or six weeks remaining until the trade deadline, it's essential to closely monitor how negotiations around Anthony Davis evolve.