Did the Knicks just acquire Trae Young? Explaining social media post that has fans fooled

Jeremy Beren

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Did the Knicks just acquire Trae Young? Explaining social media post that has fans fooled image

Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Trae Young is one of the most intriguing names on the NBA's trade block in the weeks leading up to the Feb. 5 deadline.

Young and the Atlanta Hawks appear headed for a divorce, either before the trade deadline or after the season. The four-time All-Star guard has a $49 million player option in his contract that he can trigger after the season, but Atlanta is reportedly uninterested in keeping him, let alone signing him to an extension.

MORE: Hawks' Trae Young receives trade update amid $215 million contract stalemate

With that in mind, the Hawks want to find a new home for Young, who has a limited trade market amid injury and longevity concerns.

A viral social media post on Tuesday claimed that the New York Knicks had completed a blockbuster trade for Young, who led the NBA in assists per game last season. Young would form an interesting backcourt partnership with Jalen Brunson, to say the least, but this deal has not happened.

The fake trade comes from the X account @TheNBACentel, which has gained notoriety online for its satirical posts.

Young's fit in New York is difficult to envision, especially as he would make the Knicks' roster more expensive and top-heavy.

The Knicks have won 10 of 12 games to improve to 23-9. New York has closed to within one game of the East-leading Detroit Pistons, and top executive Leon Rose is likely going to wait a little longer to ponder whether his team needs a major addition as it pursues its first NBA title since 1973.

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