TITLE: Hawks, Trae Young Enter Cooperative Trade Discussions
SLUG: hawks-trae-young-enter-cooperative-trade-discussions
CONTENT:
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young and his representatives are working with the franchise to arrange a trade, according to sources briefed on the situation.
Agents Aaron Mintz, Drew Morrison, and Austin Brown have held “positive and collaborative” conversations with Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh over the past week, the sources said. Dialogue about Young’s future has been ongoing for several months, beginning after Atlanta chose not to offer the four-time All-Star a contract extension.
The 27-year-old has $95 million remaining on his contract through next season, with a player option available afterward.
Shifting franchise priorities
Young has been the face of the Hawks since being drafted in 2018, becoming the club’s all-time leader in three-pointers and assists while guiding Atlanta to three postseason appearances, including the 2021 Eastern Conference finals run. However, the organization is increasingly focused on forward Jalen Johnson—averaging 24.0 points, 10.2 rebounds and 8.5 assists—and free-agent addition Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who is posting a career-best 20.7 points per game.
Injuries cloud current season
Leg issues have limited Young to just 10 games this season. Atlanta is 15-12 without him and 2-8 when he plays, allowing nearly 10 fewer points per game in his absence, according to ESPN Research.
The guard dealt with a right MCL sprain early in the year and continues to manage residual pain. A right quad contusion has sidelined him for the past five games.
Career résumé
Young earned All-NBA honors in 2021-22 and owns career averages of 25.2 points and 9.8 assists. He led the league in assists last season at 11.6 per game.
Source: ESPN
