The Atlanta Hawks are in a spot no team wants to be in: too good to get a top pick in the draft, but not good enough to be a true contender. As a result, a significant move could be on the horizon.
Trae Young has been the face of the franchise since being drafted in 2018. However, the star guard is no stranger to trade rumors, and one NBA insider believes things could be coming to a head.
Why Does One NBA Insider Believe Trae Young Trade ‘Could be Near?’
Young has only played in 10 games so far this season as he currently deals with a quad injury.
Even when Young has been on the court, though, he hasn’t performed up to his previous standards. The guard is averaging 19.3 points, 8.9 assists, and 1.5 rebounds per game on 30.5% shooting from deep and 41.5% from the field.
Without Young, Jalen Johnson has emerged as the team’s star as he currently averages a double-double. Now, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon believes the end “could be near” for Young in Atlanta.
“The Hawks certainly are indicating that they’re looking for the exit ramp with Trae Young,” MacMahon explained. “They did not make any attempt to get him signed to an extension. When that’s the case with your face of the franchise, that’s a pretty clear message that the end could be near.”
The Hawks are looking for ways to get rid of Trae Young, per @BannedMacMahon
“The Hawks certainly are indicating that they’re looking for the exit ramp with Trae Young. They did not make any attempt to get him signed to an extension. When that’s the case with your face of the… pic.twitter.com/rqVXh0CI2o
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 29, 2025
Young has a player option worth just under $49 million for the 2026-27 season and then will hit free agency ahead of the 2027-28 season. According to MacMahon, the Hawks have not even attempted to negotiate with Young on an extension.
The Hawks would certainly receive a haul if they traded Young. The guard has four All-Star selections and one All-NBA Third Team selection on his resume, and averages 25.2 points, 9.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game in his career.
Lack of Postseason Success Could Force Hawks to Make a Change
Since Young’s debut in the 2018-19 season, the Hawks have made the playoffs just three times and have only advanced past the opening round once.
In the 2020-21 season, the Hawks seemed like they had finally turned a corner when they advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals. However, the team crashed back down to earth and got bounced in the first round in each of the next two seasons.
The Hawks appear to be headed for the Play-In Tournament again this season, and the organization may decide to start anew. Teams like the Brooklyn Nets, who have future cap space and need a star, could be interesting to watch in the Young sweepstakes.
