Atlanta Hawks Face Uncertain Future as Trade Talks Cool for Trae Young
April 29, 2025
Former NBA player Jeff Teague suggested the Miami Heat as a potential trade destination for Young, citing their need for an additional player to compete effectively.
The Atlanta Hawks have faced challenges in recent seasons, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year after losing in the play-in tournament to the Miami Heat.
Since their unexpected run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, the Hawks have struggled to advance past the first round in subsequent seasons.
Trade discussions surrounding star guard Trae Young have significantly decreased compared to the previous season, as noted by NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer.
If the Hawks choose to retain Young, they risk remaining in mediocrity, especially since their young players, including Zaccharie Risacher and Jalen Johnson, have yet to emerge as superstars.
Young is under contract until the end of the 2025-26 season, with a player option for 2026-27, complicating the Hawks' future decisions regarding a potential rebuild.
Despite the team's struggles, Young had a strong 2024-25 season, averaging 24.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 11.6 assists, earning him a return to All-Star status.
As a four-time All-Star, Young is set to earn nearly $46 million next season, with a player option for the following season worth approximately $49 million.
His shooting statistics for the season included 41.1% from the field, 34.0% from three-point range, and 87.5% from the free-throw line.
Hawks coach Quin Snyder has praised Young's improved defensive effort, which may influence his continued role in the team's offense moving forward.
The clarity on Young's future with the Hawks will largely depend on the hiring of a new general manager to replace Landry Fields, who was recently fired.
Last year, there was speculation about Young being traded if the Hawks found a suitable buyer, but as of now, he remains with the team.
Summary based on 2 sources
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Sources

Hoops Wire • Apr 28, 2025
Report: Trae Young Trade Chatter 'Has Noticeably Quieted Down'
Ahn Fire Digital • Apr 28, 2025
Report: Trae Young trade chatter ‘has noticeably quieted down’