Is Trae Young’s time in Atlanta coming to an end? Hawks open trade talks

Trae Young may be nearing the end of his run in Atlanta, with reports suggesting the star guard and the Atlanta Hawks are working together on a potential trade.

According to ESPN, Young and his representatives have entered what sources described as positive and collaborative discussions with Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh to find a resolution regarding his future with the franchise.

The talks follow months of uncertainty after the Hawks opted not to offer Young a contract extension. The 27-year-old has two seasons remaining on his current deal, worth a combined $95 million, with a player option approaching.

Drafted in 2018, Young has been the face of the Hawks for nearly a decade, becoming the team’s all-time leader in three-pointers and assists. He led Atlanta to three post-season appearances, including a headline-making run to the Eastern Conference finals in 2021 that cemented his status as one of the league’s most talked-about stars.

However, the timing of the trade discussions suggests Atlanta could be preparing to move into a new phase. The emergence of forward Jalen Johnson and the impact of free agent addition Nickeil Alexander-Walker have reshaped the team’s on-court identity, with the Hawks posting stronger results during Young’s recent absences.

Injuries have limited Young to just 10 appearances this season. He has dealt with a right MCL sprain earlier in the campaign and is currently sidelined with a right quad contusion. During the games he has missed, Atlanta has recorded a significantly higher win percentage and improved defensive numbers.

Despite the setbacks, Young remains one of the NBA’s most recognisable talents. A four-time All-Star and an All-NBA selection in the 2021–22 season, he holds career averages of 25.2 points and 9.8 assists, and led the league in assists last season.

For fans, the possibility of a trade raises questions about what comes next for both Young and the Hawks. As discussions continue behind the scenes, the situation signals a potential turning point for a player who has defined an era in Atlanta and whose next move is likely to dominate conversation across the league.