Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks appear headed for a breakup.
The two sides are discussing Young’s potential exit from the team ahead of next month’s NBA trade deadline, according to multiple reports on Monday, Jan. 5, with the Hawks and their four-time All-Star willing to part ways with one another less than five years after the point guard led the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals and became the face of the franchise.
Young’s representatives and the Hawks began having ‘collaborative talks’ over the past week, ESPN reported, after speculation about the point guard’s future increased throughout the first few months of this season. Young’s contract includes a nearly $46 million cap hit this season and a $48.9 million player option for 2026-27, but Atlanta elected not to offer him a max extension this past offseason.
Trae Young trade destinations
Only one team has been publicly linked to Young at this point.
The Washington Wizards are considered ‘a legitimate potential trade destination’ for Young, according to longtime NBA reporter Marc Stein, and the deal would involve the expiring contract of Wizards guard CJ McCollum. No trade had been finalized as of 10:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday, Jan. 6.
Whether Young wants a new contract along with the trade, as well as the Hawks’ willingness to attach a draft pick in the deal, could complicate any potential moves and limit his suitors. There’s also the reality that Young’s value is diminished since his defensive liabilities have muted his impact more noticeably in recent seasons.
Teams with an immediate need for a point guard, such as the Minnesota Timberwolves or perhaps the Houston Rockets, could make sense. But matching Young’s salary would involve a significant salary going back to Atlanta in return. Perhaps there’s a dark horse that needs more offensive punch and can cover for Young defensively, like the Toronto Raptors. Young could also be part of a deal with the Sacramento Kings, who are reportedly open to trading much of their roster.
Trae Young stats
Young, 27, has appeared in just 10 games this season due to injuries, but the Hawks have a 2-8 record when he plays and a 15-13 record when he doesn’t. He’s averaging 19.3 points and 8.9 assists per game, while shooting 30.5% from 3-point range. Forward Jalen Johnson has emerged as Atlanta’s new star, with the team’s defense improving significantly without Young on the court.
Young missed 22 games earlier this season with a sprained MCL and missed his fifth-straight game due to a quad contusion when the Hawks suffered a 118-100 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Monday. Atlanta went 0-5 during the five games Young played after returning from the knee injury.
Young has career averages of 25.2 points, 9.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds, while shooting 35.1% from 3-point-range over eight NBA seasons.
