The Atlanta Hawks have endured a difficult stretch this season, and their struggles have become even more puzzling when Trae Young is in the lineup. Without Young, Atlanta managed to post a solid 14–11 record. However, since his return, the Hawks have gone just 2–8, including a seven-game losing streak.
Meanwhile, questions surrounding Young’s long-term future in Atlanta have intensified. NBA insider Jake Weinbach suggested that league-wide interest in the Hawks’ star may not be as strong as expected.
“I believe the feeling around the league is that there isn’t much of a market for Trae Young despite reports that the Hawks are open to moving the four-time All-Star,” Weinbach reported. “Young, averaging 19.3 points and 8.9 assists per game this season, has seen his value gradually diminish over recent years.”
I believe the feeling around the league is that there isn’t much of a market for Trae Young despite reports that the Hawks are open to moving the four-time All-Star.
Young, averaging 19.3 points and 8.9 assists per game this season, has seen his value gradually diminish over…
— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) December 31, 2025
Atlanta is seemingly losing its interest in Young. A recent report from Sam Amick revealed that Atlanta may now be more willing than ever to discuss potential trades involving Young, especially with the NBA trade deadline approaching on February 5.
“League sources say the Hawks, who saw so many promising signs during that Young-less stretch, are more open to discussing deals for him than ever,” Amick reported.
Contractually, Young is playing in the final guaranteed year of his rookie extension and holds a player option for the 2026–27 season. While he is eligible for an extension with the Hawks, no agreement has been reached so far. It left open the possibility that Young could depart in free agency this summer if Atlanta doesn’t trade him.
Zach Lowe Throws Cold Water on Trae Young Trade Rumors
Speaking on his podcast, Zach Lowe shared his skepticism about the likelihood of a Trae Young trade materializing.
“I’ve said it five times in the last 18 months, if there was a killer Trae Young Hawks trade, or even like a B Trae Young Hawks trade, I think he would have been traded already,” Lowe said. “I just look around the league, and I’m like, I don’t even know what the trade is. I don’t know because he’s got this $49 million player option for next year.”
Young continues to deliver stellar numbers in his eighth season with the Hawks. This season, he is averaging 26.1 points, 10.7 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game. Still, despite his strong statistical output, those performances have yet to translate into consistent success or stability for the Hawks.
