The Atlanta Hawks seem closer than ever to parting ways with franchise player Trae Young. Atlanta opted against offering Young an extension during the 2025 offseason despite knowing he could become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, and are now at the heart of yet another rush of trade rumors.
The question that seems to be asked far too scarcely is as simple as it is complex: What would constitute an adequate return if the Hawks actually trade Young?
Young should have a robust market as a 27-year-old point guard who has established himself as one of the most productive players of his era. Between 2019-20 and 2024-25, the four-time All-Star averaged 26.5 points, 10.2 assists, 3.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 2.8 three-point field goals made per game.
Compounded by the fact that Young led the Hawks to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals with averages of 28.8 points and 9.8 assists per contest, his talent is undeniable.
Unfortunately, the Hawks continue to perform at a level that supports the belief that they're a better team without him. They're 2-8 when he plays and 15-12 when he doesn't in 2025-26, and have compiled records of 60-80 with him and 33-28 without him over the past three seasons.
With those factors potentially depleting his trade value, moving Young isn't as simple as it seems. As such, the question stands: What should Atlanta trade him for?
What exactly is an ideal return for the Hawks in a Trae Young trade?
Perhaps the answer is that the Hawks should try to land a star who can come in and replace Young's value. The list of stars who are known to be available in a potential trade is rather limited, however, and teams that have a player of that caliber will likely be looking to pair them with Young rather than replace them.
Even if the stars align and the Hawks land a player of that caliber, however, the question beckons: Would they be an ideal fit in a starting lineup that's already showing signs of significant upside?
Adding another player who disrupts the chemistry being established between the young core pieces would bring Atlanta right back to square one. As such, it may be wise to prioritize long-term assets and role players in a potential deal.
It may not be the dazzling return that some might expect for a player of Young's caliber, but the Hawks aren't starting over—they're adapting to life without a player who arguably no longer fits.
Hawks already have their core in place, so what do they need to add?
Jalen Johnson is the new face of the franchise, Onyeka Okongwu has played the best basketball of his career alongside him, and Dyson Daniels is already a Defensive Player of the Year finalist at 22. Zaccharie Risacher, meanwhile, is 20 years of age and earned All-Rookie First Team honors in 2024-25.
With 27-year-old guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker not only excelling individually but thriving alongside the aforementioned players, a case can be made that the Hawks already have their starting five of the future.
Furthermore, the Hawks are in line to receive a 2026 first-round draft pick from the 8-29 New Orleans Pelicans. That could potentially result in Atlanta landing the missing piece in the form of a top pick who has genuine superstar potential.
With this in mind, most seem to agree that it's time for the Hawks to move on from Young. What remains unclear is how a trade can be completed that not only leads to addition by subtraction, but acts as fair compensation. It's a process that's further complicated by Young's near $46 million salary.
Answers are tough to come by, but it's half past time the question is asked: Based on the roster in place and Young's current market value, what exactly is an adequate return?
Truthfully, it may be more forward-leaning than those who want to win now might be hoping for.