Trae Young and the Hawks Working Toward a Trade
Positive dialogue, no rupture – but a separation is increasingly likely. Trae Young’s future could be away from Atlanta as soon as the coming weeks
rae Young’s future in Atlanta appears to be increasingly uncertain. According to ESPN sources, the Atlanta Hawks and the point guard’s agents – Aaron Mintz, Drew Morrison, and Austin Brown – have engaged in collaborative talks over the past few weeks to find a shared solution that points directly toward a trade.
The report comes from Shams Charania, who described the situation as constructive and ongoing:
The Hawks and Trae Young’s agents are working together to find a resolution on his future. The conversations are collaborative and centered around a trade
Shams Charania
This potential move didn’t come out of nowhere – its roots trace back to last summer.
The Contract Issue and the Missed Extension
The relationship between Trae Young and Atlanta first began to strain when the front office chose not to offer him a contract extension, with his 2026 player option looming. A decision that left the door open – and now wide open.
Young still has two years remaining on his deal worth $95 million, but the direction taken by the Hawks now seems clear. In recent days, general manager Onsi Saleh has intensified discussions with Young’s camp to pursue an orderly and mutually beneficial separation.
From Franchise Face to “Odd Man Out”
Since the 2018 Draft, Trae Young has been the face of the Hawks: the franchise’s all-time leader in three-pointers made and assists, a four-time All-Star, and the driving force behind Atlanta’s historic run to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals. In eight seasons, the Hawks reached the playoffs three times under his leadership.
Today, however, the context has changed. The rise of Jalen Johnson, posting near do-it-all numbers (24 points, 10.2 rebounds, 8.5 assists per game), and the immediate impact of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who is enjoying the most productive scoring season of his career, are pushing Atlanta toward a new on-court identity.
Injuries, Numbers, and a Telling Stat
Injuries have further complicated the picture. Young has played only 10 games this season, sidelined first by a right knee MCL sprain, then by a quad contusion that forced him to miss the last six games.
The numbers are striking:
- 15-12 record without Young
- 2-8 with him in the lineup
- Nearly 10 fewer points allowed per game in his absence
A stat that doesn’t tell the whole story, but one that has inevitably fueled internal discussions.
Trae Young’s Value Remains Undisputed
Despite a turbulent season, Trae Young’s value around the league remains intact. An All-NBA selection in 2021–22, he owns career averages of 25.2 points and 9.8 assists, and just last season led the NBA in assists with 11.6 per game.
Now the only questions are when and where the trade will materialize. One thing, however, is clear: Atlanta and Trae Young are working together to write the next chapter – away from Georgia.