American reporter: The Hawks are considering trading Trae Young, and not re-signing him would be a clear signal.
2025-12-30 06:57

According to ESPN's Tim McMahon, Trae Young's time with the Atlanta Hawks may be nearing its end. All signs indicate the Hawks are considering trading Young, and a parting of ways may only be a matter of time.
Trae Young has been plagued by injuries this season, playing only 10 regular season games for the Hawks so far, averaging 19.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, 8.9 assists, and 1.0 steals in 28.0 minutes per game. Due to an ongoing quadriceps injury, he remained sidelined in today's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, unable to prevent the Hawks from losing 129-140 at home.
After this game, the Hawks' losing streak has extended to seven games. Their record has also dropped to 15 wins and 19 losses, currently sitting in tenth place in the Eastern Conference.
In the latest episode of ESPN's "The Hoop Collective," McMahon stated unequivocally: "The Hawks are clearly hinting that they are looking for a way for Trae Young to leave; they haven't even tried to re-sign him. When a team's face receives such treatment, it undoubtedly sends a clear signal—the end of their partnership may not be far off."
McMahon's colleague, Tim Bontemps, later added that the Hawks are trying to build a roster around young players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu, who are described as "tall, long-armed, and athletic." Trae Young's smaller stature and defensive weaknesses don't fit the team's current tactical philosophy. Data shows that the team's defensive efficiency drops significantly when he's on the court, and his offense becomes more vulnerable to being targeted by opponents.
Regardless, 27-year-old Trae Young remains one of the league's top guards when healthy. As the 5th overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NBA draft, he has played 493 regular-season games for the Hawks, averaging 25.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 9.8 assists, and 1.0 steals in 34.3 minutes per game.
Trae Young also played 27 playoff games, averaging 26.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 9.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.
Related News