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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 21: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter at State Farm Arena on December 21, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Hawks came into this season expecting to be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. With no clear favorite coming into the season, Atlanta was hoping to step up with the Pacers, Celtics, and 76ers dealing with injuries to star players.
Instead, they have found themselves barely hanging on to playoff contention. Right now, the Hawks sit 10th in the Eastern Conference standings. Trae Young has played in just 10 games this season. Despite that, the Hawks have actually played better without Young on the floor.
Young is due for a contract extension at the end of the year. It looks like that will happen with another team, as Atlanta has made the decision to find a trade for Young.
GettyAtlanta Hawks guard Trae Young dribbles the ball. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Hawks Will Work With Trae Young to Trade Him
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Hawks will work with him and his agent to find a new home for him. Young has put up the worst scoring and assist numbers since his rookie year. It’s clear that Atlanta plays better with him off the floor, especially defensively.
Young has the worst defensive rating of his career this season, a sign that Atlanta needs to move on from him. Trading him to a desirable destination might be difficult with how much money he is making. Young is making just shy of $46 million this year and is scheduled to make $48.9 million next season.
With the Hawks barely hanging on to contention, finding players who can help them get into the top six of the East in exchange for Young might be impossible. Instead, they might have to settle for future draft picks and a good, young player.
There are only a few teams that have the space to bring him in, and perhaps none of them would be desirable for Young to go to. Still, he might not have a choice. He might end up somewhere he doesn’t want to be for a year and a half before his free agency hits.
GettyAtlanta Hawks guard Trae Young shoots the ball. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Hawks Missed the Boat on Trading Trae Young
Atlanta missed the boat on trading Young at the height of his marketability. Had they traded him before the season started, they would have been able to get much back in return than they will now. It’s a mistake that Landry Fields and the front office will likely rue.
Had the Hawks moved on from Young earlier, they likely would have a better record this season. In games in which Young plays, the Hawks are just 2-8. Getting him out of Atlanta as soon as possible is what’s best for both parties, and both seem to understand that.
The Wizards have been offered up as a possible destination for Young, as have the Kings. No matter who the Hawks trade him to, they are likely making this trade with more of an eye to the future than to this season.