The Atlanta Hawks have faced scrutiny for trading for Trae Young instead of drafting Luka Dončić, but Young and the team started strong. Young made the All-Rookie first team in 2019, became a four-time All-Star, and led Atlanta to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals.
Recently, Young has struggled with injuries, and the Hawks haven’t advanced past the first round since 2021. Young is now often in trade rumors.
Trae Young’s Hawks Future May Be Safe
Many believe the Hawks must choose between pursuing another star, like the rumored Mavericks deals for Anthony Davis, or trading veterans. Young’s name appears often in discussions about rebuilding around Jalen Johnson and top pick Zaccharie Risacher.
Risacher has started slowly, averaging 10.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.
Johnson has been Atlanta’s best player, averaging 24.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 8.4 assists on 52.9% shooting and 37.3% from three.
Despite Young’s status as franchise face, many argue the Hawks play better without him and would benefit from trading him. Potential suitors need a dynamic guard, but no deals have emerged.
Although there are ongoing debates about Young’s strengths and weaknesses, teams in need of play-making are often mentioned as potential suitors in persistent trade rumors. At just 27 years old, his age makes him an attractive option in discussions.
Young has played 10 games this season due to injuries, averaging 19.3 points and 8.9 assists, shooting 41.5% overall from the field and 30.5% from three.
On his Gimme The Hot Sauce podcast, Chicago Bulls announcer and former 3-time NBA Champion Stacey King gave a reality check on the Young rumors.
“News flash, the owner loves him. He’s not going anywhere,” King said. “When the owner loves you, and the owner’s son loves you, Trae’s not going anywhere.”
With Young having played only 10 games, there is debate about whether the Hawks’ core of Johnson, Risacher, Young, and former Celtic Kristaps Porziņģis – who has also missed time – just needs more time to develop chemistry.
“The problem right now is other young players like Jalen Johnson have ascended,” King explained. “Risacher is much better than what he was. Kristaps Porziņģis is there, but he’s been hurt. He’s still a player you would like to see how well he meshes with Trae Young. I think they’ve only played minimal games this year between the two of them.”
As the February 5 trade deadline nears, the Hawks’ commitment to Young remains the central storyline. Despite frequent rumors, all signals point to Atlanta keeping Young as their franchise cornerstone, at least for now.
