Trae Young’s Future at a Crossroads: Trade Options Loom for Atlanta Hawks

ATLANTA, Ga. — The Atlanta Hawks find themselves at a pivotal crossroads regarding the future of star guard Trae Young. As the 2025 NBA season unfolds, questions surrounding Young’s role with the team are intensifying, particularly as he is eligible for free agency in 2026.

Since the Hawks’ surprising run to the 2021 Eastern Conference finals as a No. 4 seed, the franchise has struggled to recapture that momentum. Despite having talented players, Atlanta has faced disappointing playoff performances and defensive struggles that have raised questions about the team’s direction.

The Hawks’ season in 2024 ended without a playoff appearance, falling short in a play-in game against the Miami Heat. Young, who is known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills, contributed significantly down the stretch but ultimately couldn’t lead the Hawks to victory. His performance has increasingly raised concerns among team executives about whether the partnership between Young and the Hawks is sustainable.

Young’s competitive nature and desire to win have fueled discussions around potential trades, primarily as the Hawks weigh the benefits of retaining their star player versus seeking new talent to build a more balanced roster. According to ESPN‘s Tim MacMahon, “A simple fact of the matter is if there was a real market for Trae Young, he’d be somewhere else right now,” highlighting the complexities of trading a player of his caliber.

While Young has demonstrated flashes of brilliance throughout his career, his defensive shortcomings and ball-dominant style complicate the landscape. This has led to speculation about how the Hawks can capitalize on his talents while still addressing their roster needs.

Despite these challenges, statistical evidence suggests potential for improvement. The Hawks outscored opponents with Young on the floor, showcasing his offensive captaincy. Moreover, the young core surrounding him has shown promise, with players like Dyson Daniels and Onyeka Okongwu emerging as valuable contributors. “He is still the most recognizable part of the team’s identity, but finding his right fit remains tricky,” noted one source within the organization.

Trade discussions have already surfaced, with teams interested in acquiring Young potentially offering substantial draft capital. While a separation could benefit both parties, the risk of landing in a similarly flawed situation looms large. Young’s unique skill set may attract teams searching for a high-impact guard but finding a perfect fit may prove difficult.

There has been talk of potential teams that might show interest, such as the Denver Nuggets, who could use a creative playmaker alongside their existing core. However, such scenarios depend on the willingness of both the Hawks and Young to explore these options.

As the off-season approaches, the Hawks face multifaceted decisions—whether to retain a key player who remains critical to their identity or pursue new avenues for growth and improvement. Choices made during this critical window will shape their trajectory in a competitive Eastern Conference and beyond.

Ultimately, the future of Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks may hinge on how effectively they can balance both the immediate needs of the franchise and the long-term vision for sustainable success. With potential trade talks looming, all stakeholders will be keeping a close watch on developments as the off-season unfolds.