The Atlanta Hawks still aren’t seriously entertaining a trade centered around point guard Trae Young, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
The four-time All-Star has been sidelined since late October with a sprained MCL. Scotto reported Thursday the Hawks “hope Young can return soon and assimilate himself with the group to see what they have.”
Young’s injury troubles might impact his future beyond this season.
The 27-year-old has a $49 million player option for 2026-27. Ideally for him, he’d opt out and secure a much bigger payday, be it from Atlanta or another team. However, Scotto reported that “several executives” believe picking up his option will be the smarter call.
Young had plenty of detractors coming into the year.
He has historically been a bad defender and—Atlanta’s underdog run to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals aside—his contributions haven’t translated into team success. The Hawks lost in the first round in 2022 and 2023 before missing the playoffs altogether the following two years.
Thanks to the MCL sprain, Young is unable to silence his skeptics on the court right now.
Fairly or unfairly, some will also look at Atlanta’s 13-9 record since Young’s injury as evidence the team is just as good and maybe better without him.
The 6’2″ playmaker could make his return as soon as Thursday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets. Assuming he’s playing again within the next few days, the weeks ahead could be pivotal in determining his status on the Hawks.
