The Atlanta Hawks moved on from Trae Young earlier than expected, but general manager Onsi Saleh said the timing felt right once the right offer emerged from the Washington Wizards.
“I don’t really believe in waiting just to wait,” Saleh said, per John Hollinger of The Athletic. “If a deal is there and it makes sense for us, I’m comfortable pulling the trigger. That’s what we felt here.”
The general manager also reflected on Young’s impact in Atlanta, both on and off the court.
“Trae has meant a lot to this organization and this city,” Saleh said. “What he and Shelby have done in the community has been special. He’s been the face of the franchise for a long time, and we truly wish him the best going forward.”
From a roster standpoint, Saleh emphasized that the Hawks were confident in what they received, highlighting CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert as strong fits, along with the added cap flexibility the move created.
“We like the players coming back,” he said. “They help us now, they help our depth, and they fit with where we’re headed.”
That direction, the executive noted, is shaped by the growth of Atlanta’s young core, led by Jalen Johnson.
“Jalen’s taken a huge leap,” Saleh said. “He’s making plays and making teammates better. When you look at Jalen, Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu, Zaccharie Risacher, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, it becomes about the group, not just one name. That’s how we’re building this.”
The Hawks GM explained why he didn't wait for more trade offers for Trae Young: https://t.co/5ZJw9Ng6eu
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 14, 2026
