Should the Atlanta Hawks Trade Trae Young?
Since being drafted with the Atlanta Hawks, there’s no doubt that point guard Trae Young has been the undisputed leader of the team. He’s brought Atlanta to the playoffs for the last three years, but since appearing in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, the team has been eliminated in the first round the past two years. So far this season, the Hawks have a 12-15 record and sit in tenth place in the East. The trade for guard Dejounte Murray last season was supposed to elevate Atlanta to a possible championship contender and help Trae Young with the offensive load to be a viable backcourt, a year later, it isn’t looking well for the Hawks, as they could suffer the same fate, they have been dealing with for the last couple seasons. If Atlanta struggles and misses the playoffs, will this young star get frustrated with the team and request a trade?
It’s confusing to see the Hawks lose so many games when they rank within the top five in many statistical categories. Atlanta ranks third in the NBA in points scored, offensive rebounds, and free-throw percentage, they’re fourth in field goals made and fifth in steals. They’re ranked seventh in three-pointers attempted, and three-pointers made, and ninth in three-point percentage. Their biggest problem has been assists and defensive rebounds. This team ranks 20th in assists and 26th in defensive rebounds. With two great passers in Trae Young and Dejounte Murray and a great rebounder in Clint Capela, these guys simply must figure it out. Other guys on the roster like Bruno Fernando, Saddiq Bey, Onyeka Okongwu, De’Andre Hunter, and even Capela need to step up when it comes to rebounding, they have the size and the capabilities to box out their opponent on the defensive end. It’s not the end of the world yet for Hawks fans, but if this team can’t find themselves with a winning record, and maybe even a top-six seed, it might be time to look at a rebuild.
In 25 games played this season, Trae Young is averaging about 28 points, three rebounds, 11 assists, and a steal a game. When Young helped lead this Hawks team to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, he averaged about 29 points and nine assists heading into the series. Although he played well, Atlanta did not have the capabilities to defeat the eventual champion Milwaukee Bucks. Trae has the skill set to be the number one guy on a playoff team, but can he develop more as a leader and take this Hawks team back deep into the playoffs? This team cannot afford to lose any games they shouldn’t, if a team like the Toronto Raptors or Chicago Bulls gets ahead of the Hawks in the standings, we may see Atlanta miss the playoffs for the first time since 2020. This team has too much to lose if they miss the playoffs, and this could result in tension, frustration, and maybe even some departures via trade or free agency. While I think this team will stick it out for the time being, pay close attention to Trae Young and his demeanor after every win or loss. This could be the telling of whether he’s truly happy playing for the Atlanta Hawks or wants to go somewhere new.
