Atlanta Hawks
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Atlanta Hawks Eager to See Chemistry.
The Atlanta Hawks have been a middling team since 2016. Yes, they have one Conference Finals appearance, but more often than not, they finish within a few points of .500.
This season, expectations were at a high. Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, and Jalen Johnson were all healthy. They added Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kennard, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the offseason.
By and large, they were expected to be one of the better teams in the East. Instead, they sit at 3-4. On November 1st, it was revealed that Young would miss at least four weeks with an MCL injury.
As Young sits out, the Hawks will design a blueprint for their future, one way or another.
Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young dribbles past Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 27: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles past Tre Jones #30 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on October 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks to Make Key Choice
To be with or without Trae Young? That is the question!
Young is the best point guard in franchise history, although he has proven that he can’t be the best player on a title-worthy team. This summer, Atlanta added key talent to support him, although he will miss a lot of time with his new injury.
Instead of building around Young, the Hawks could cut their losses and embrace a core of Daniels, Johnson, and Zaccharie Risacher.
“How Atlanta deals with getting half-court offensive production now without Trae Young, I think, really could play a significant role in what they decide to do with Trae Young, because Trae Young, at the end of this season, can theoretically elect to become a free agent,” pointed out Sam Vecenie on the November 3rd episode of the Game Theory podcast.
“He has a player option at $49 million for 2026-27. If they feel like they play really well, do they look at, maybe Trae isn’t our guy for the future, or if they really struggle, do they decide, ‘Oh no, like we have to pull out all the stops because we need to keep Trae Young.’ It could go either way.”
Young has trade value around the league. Still, Atlanta is yet to find that hypothetical success without him. Should they flounder in his absence, working out a new, long-term contract will suddenly become a priority.
Atlanta Hawks Not Encouraged to Trade Trae Young
The Hawks owe the San Antonio Spurs a pick swap in 2026 and an unprotected pick in 2027. They can’t embrace a rebuild. However they approach the Young situation, the result needs to be immediate success.
Regardless of how Atlanta plays in the coming weeks, they are at their best when Young is on the court. Even if the Hawks decide to move on from him after this season, keeping him on the floor once he returns is a priority.
I’m not sitting here saying Trae Young is an immediate trade candidate,” Vecenie added. “I don’t know based on this, but to me, these next 15 games are absolutely going to tell the tale of how possible it is that they can survive without Trae Young and how possible it is that they could be looking at a different kind of roster build moving forward.”
The Hawks could double down on size and defense with their current core, or it could become obvious that Young is the engine of the team. Regardless, expect a lot to be cleared up in the coming games.