It is important to leave a memorable impression during the NBA pre-draft process. As ‘Babcock Hoops’ reporter Matt Babcock stated, “Exposure only helps if a player makes the most of it—on the court, in interviews, and every interaction. A bad workout or poor impression won’t necessarily erase his value, but it can stall momentum”. Trae Young realized this, and it benefited him. However, he still wonders what would have happened if things had gone another way.

The Atlanta Hawks star was recently interviewed on the ‘Club 520’ podcast, which is hosted by former NBA player Jeff Teague, along with co-hosts DJ Wells and B Hen. During the conversation, Young was asked about his draft process and the whole situation that unfolded for him. Young highlighted that “Um, I mean, it was, I mean, it was surprising, to be honest with you. Like, I thought I was going to Orlando at six”. However, the Hawks star had already created an impression with the other franchises, as he also highlighted that “um, the whole…. the whole pre-draft process. Uh, to be honest with you, um I worked out for like four teams individually”.

Trae Young was projected to go anywhere between the 8th and 9th pick early on draft day. However, in the end, he ended up going No. 5, to the Dallas Mavericks. This partnership didn’t remain for long, as the player was immediately traded to the Atlanta Hawks, along with a protected future first-round pick in exchange for the rights to the third overall pick, Luka Dončić. Young’s tenure with the Hawks has been fruitful, as he has gone on to make 4 All-Star selections, the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2019, and the All-NBA Third Team in 2022. However, with the Orlando Magic, the player could have also been the recipient of the division titles in 2024 and 2025.

This is not the first time Trae Young has spoken out about his interest in the Orlando Magic squad. Back in June 2018, NBA journalist Josh Cohen did a profile on the player’s visit and two-day stay in Orlando, Trae Young would dream with his eyes wide open. He described how the young Young walked inside the Amway Center for the first time, joked with long-time friend Jonathan Isaac, and tugged on an Orlando Magic shirt. This made the then-Oklahoma Sooners star visualize a future with the team.

“You definitely envision it,” said Young after his individual workout with the Orlando Magic. “When you put on this (black, sleeveless Magic) shirt or step on this court, you have to envision yourself being here every day and working out. Nighttime and when you are alone on those early mornings, you have to envision all of that if you want to be great.”

While things didn’t work out earlier, Trae Young might have a chance to finally get some seasons with the Orlando Magic. After all, his contract issues with his current team continue to persist.

Mock Trade Sends Trae Young To Orlando Magic Amid Contract Issues

Trae Young has just one year left on his contract (and a player option) heading into the 2025-26 season. Despite that, the Atlanta Hawks haven’t given him an extension yet. According to reports, the Atlanta Hawks front office took other steps to keep their star player happy, which included trading for Kristaps Porzingis to land a center replacement for the departing Clint Capela, and engaging in a sign-and-trade deal for Nickeil Alexander-Walker to add another backcourt option alongside Young. However, by early August, reports had emerged that the player was ‘disappointed’ and ‘frustrated’ over the lack of an extension deal. With over a month having passed since then, the doors are open for another potential hope for a trade.

A recent report by ‘Athlon Sports’s Nathaniel Holloway presented a trade package that would have the Orlando Magic send a package of Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black, Jett Howard, and multiple first-round picks to the Hawks in exchange for Young. Holloway noted that the team would be reluctant to part ways with Suggs, as he is “arguably the Magic’s best defender”. Furthermore, Black and Howard are players on the younger side. However, Holloway believes that Young could help the Orlando Magic compete for a title during the upcoming season.

As Sports Illustrated’s Andrew Cherico noted, the back-to-back first-round playoff exits of the Orlando Magic could be credited to the lack of offensive guard production. Trae Young can help with three-point shooting and playmaking.

Having averaged 25.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 9.8 assists over the course of 483 games in 7 years, he carries a wealth of experience that could help navigate the other young players on the Magic squad. Losing Suggs would reportedly be worth it if offense is chosen as the path of progression by utilizing the potential big three of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Trae Young.

With the 2025-26 NBA season weeks away, time is running out to make a trade. Whether Trae Young chooses to leap and find an answer to ‘what could have been’ is something that remains to be seen.