The Atlanta Hawks are facing another pivotal offseason, and league sources suggest the franchise is now increasingly open to parting ways with All-Star guard Trae Young.
After finishing 40-42 and losing in the Play-In Tournament, the Hawks once again fell short of expectations in a season where internal progress was a priority.
According to John Hollinger of The Athletic, trade chatter surrounding Young has intensified, with growing belief that Atlanta might choose to build around its younger core instead of committing to another long-term run with the 26-year-old point guard.
The Hawks had explored trade possibilities involving both Young and Dejounte Murray last offseason, ultimately sending Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Young remained with the team and averaged 24.2 points and 11.6 assists across 54 appearances in 2024-25, his seventh NBA season.
Despite strong individual numbers, Atlanta ranked 8th in the Eastern Conference but posted a negative point differential, giving up more points per game (119.3) than they scored (118.2).
Young is under contract through 2027, with a player option for the final year of his five-year, $215 million deal.
Front office decisions this summer may reflect long-term skepticism about his fit on both ends of the floor, despite efforts by head coach Quin Snyder to engage him defensively.
Hollinger noted that the trade market for Young has been underwhelming compared to the kind of return the Hawks may have been seeking—something closer to what Brooklyn received for Mikal Bridges or Minnesota gave for Rudy Gobert.
Instead, a potential package may look more like the deal New Orleans received for Brandon Ingram—an option that might now be more acceptable to Atlanta given its current direction.
The team has seen encouraging development from young players like Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, Onyeka Okongwu and Mouhamed Gueye, all of whom contributed meaningfully this season.
Meanwhile, speculation continues around Snyder’s future with the team, especially if coaching vacancies such as San Antonio’s were to open.
