NBA Rumors: Atlanta Hawks' New Target after Parting Ways with Trae Young

The Atlanta Hawks have made their move. After parting ways with Trae Young and his high salary, the franchise is clear about its next step: going after Anthony Davis before the market closes.

Atlanta finalized Young's departure late Wednesday, sending him to the Washington Wizards in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. With this move, the Hawks shed a $48 million contract and completely reshape their project. McCollum arrives as a veteran and reliable scorer for the perimeter, in addition to being in the final year of his contract. Kispert, on the other hand, brings outside shooting and does so with a very manageable contract for the franchise.

Beyond the pieces received, the key to the operation lies in the economic margin generated. Atlanta has gained significant salary flexibility and, according to reports, has already decided how to use it: strengthening their interior game. With Young definitively gone, the Hawks aim to deepen a defensive identity that took a notable leap this season during the weeks when the point guard was not in the rotation.

Anthony Davis, the desired piece

In this context, the name of Anthony Davis appears. The power forward of the Dallas Mavericks would elevate the team's defensive level to the elite, as long as he can stay healthy, a factor that has marked his recent career after extended periods of absence in the last seasons. "They are going after Anthony Davis as a top priority in a trade with the Mavericks," ESPN journalist Shams Charania explained. "This pursuit of Anthony Davis is possible precisely because you get rid of Trae Young's salary from here on out."

According to Charania, Atlanta expects there to be updates before the market closes, in less than four weeks. With salary space, a growing defense, and a more defined direction, the Hawks are preparing to attempt a move that could completely change their immediate future.