A blockbuster NBA trade idea between the Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta Hawks has been created. 

Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report created the following trade idea:

Atlanta Hawks get: LaMelo Ball

Charlotte Hornets get: Trae Young

"This is the most straightforward concept: a one-for-one swap that relocates former All-Star point guards," Pincus wrote. "In the deal, the Hawks avoid negotiating a new contract with Young, locking in a still-expensive (but much taller) alternative. Ball, 6'7", is due $168.7 million over four years (including 2025-26) but would receive a $2.8 million trade bonus, paid by the Hornets.

"In this scenario, the Hawks won't completely change their identity, as Young (6'2") and Ball are both scoring point guards. Young has averaged 25.3 points with 9.8 assists per game. Ball, who would hit Atlanta's cap at $41.5 million next season (less than Young's current price of $46 million), has averaged 21 points and 7.4 assists per contest.

"The Hornets have several exciting young prospects to build around Young, like Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner. The team can work an extension with Young, or it can wait to re-sign him in free agency if necessary. Even if Young chose to move on, the Hornets would have tremendous cap flexibility."

The Hawks chose not to sign Young to an extension this offseason. Young was eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension. The point guard will make $45.9 million this season. He can become an unrestricted free agent next offseason by declining his 2026-27 player option worth $48.9 million.

The Hornets signed Ball to a five-year, $203 million extension in 2023. Ball will make $37.9 million this season.

Young is a four-time All-Star with career averages of 25.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 9.8 assists. He led the Hawks to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals, a series the Milwaukee Bucks won in six games. 

Meanwhile, Ball is a one-time All-Star with career averages of 21.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 7.4 assists. He's never been to the playoffs. 

Atlanta would probably only trade Young if he requested a trade. However, after the Luka Doncic trade last season, anything is possible in today's NBA.