Hawks’ Trae Young receives trade update amid $215M contract deadlock originally appeared on The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
The Atlanta Hawks may be one of the most active teams in the NBA in the weeks leading up to the February 5 trade deadline.
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Atlanta started the season with a 9-5 record despite missing All-Star guard Trae Young with a torn knee ligament. Young players like DeSon Daniels and Jalen Johnson continue to take steps forward, and the high-profile offseason acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis has led to optimism that the Hawks are building a contender in an open Eastern Conference.
But the Eagles have regressed in recent weeks. With Atlanta rumored to be making another blockbuster trade – this time for Dallas Mavericks big man Anthony Davis – it’s clear further changes are coming, which could lead to a parting of ways with Young, the team’s long-time star.
More: Hawks make bizarre Trae Young-Anthony Davis trade decision
ESPN’s Tim McMahon said Monday on The Hoop Collective podcast that the Eagles are trying to trade Young before he enters the 2026-27 contract year. Momentum for Young, last year’s league assist leader, to re-sign in Atlanta has stalled; McMahon is sure that’s no coincidence.
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“They didn’t make any attempt to get him to re-sign,” McMahon said. “When your team is faced with a situation like this, it’s a very clear message that the end may be coming.”
The renewed focus on Young’s future in Atlanta comes amid the Hawks’ recent decline in the Eastern Conference standings.
Since Young returned from injury, the Hawks are 0-6 and have allowed at least 125 points in every game. Atlanta currently has a record of 15 wins and 18 losses, ranking 10th in the Eastern Conference, and the powerful Milwaukee Bucks are only 1.5 games behind them.
However, Young’s defensive limitations and recent injury concerns will limit his trade market. McMahon compared it to situations faced by Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball and Memphis’ Ja Morant — players who similarly may be ready for a change but face declining interest in their services.
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“There’s not going to be a lot of teams putting their hands up and trying to bid, and I’m not sure you’re going to be able to do a deal that’s going to provide value in return,” McMahon said.
That said, Atlanta seems very motivated to get rid of Young and enter a new era. Only time will tell how we solve this challenge.
