The NBA is a ruthless business, and no star can truly ever be comfortable with their situation. The Luka Doncic trade was an excellent example of this, and now the man he was first traded for is experiencing it. Trae Young has been the Atlanta Hawks’ franchise star, but a trade now seems inevitable.
Young has been with the Hawks since 2018, making four All-Star appearances in that span. The point guard led Atlanta to the Eastern Conference Finals once, but they have failed to achieve consistent team success. And now, it seems like both the team and the player agree it’s time to move on.
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The Hawks and Young's agents have maintained positive dialogue on his future ever since the franchise elected not to offer a contract extension last summer ahead of his 2026 player option. Now the sides are working together on a trade out of Atlanta. https://t.co/IWehy7ZIJN
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 5, 2026
“Atlanta Hawks All-Star Trae Young and his agents, Aaron Mintz, Drew Morrison, and Austin Brown, are working with the franchise on a trade, sources tell ESPN,” Shams Charania wrote on X. “Young’s reps and the Hawks have started collaborative talks over the last week on finding a resolution.
“The Hawks and Young’s agents have maintained positive dialogue on his future ever since the franchise elected not to offer a contract extension last summer ahead of his 2026 player option. Now the sides are working together on a trade out of Atlanta.”
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Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young looks for a play against Miami Heat guard Dru Smith. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
The fact that both parties are committed to finding the ideal trade together means a couple of things. Young’s trade market is not as competitive as might have been imagined. And that his years of service mean the franchise wants him to have a say in his future, too. Hopefully, it will all work out for the best.
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