Since ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania confirmed that Trae Young and his agents are working with the Atlanta Hawks on a trade, the conversation has shifted to what the team can get in return for the guard. Spoiler alert: It won't be what the Hawks want to receive in a trade, as the window for getting an ideal return already slammed shut.
The point guard market isn't what it once was, especially for one who is making $46 million this season and has a $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season that he could opt out of to become an unrestricted free agent. He is also eligible to sign a max-level extension, giving teams another deterrent to stay away from a trade. In the world of the CBA, teams are more careful than ever about how they construct their payroll.
We can't overlook that he's undersized and a liability on defense, adding more cons to a trade. Oh, and the Hawks went 13-9 without him in the lineup when he was out with an MCL sprain.
Atlanta can't help but kick itself over not pushing to send Young to the Spurs before last year's deadline, as San Antonio considered trading for him before the team acquired De'Aaron Fox. Agreeing on a deal with the Spurs would've given the Hawks an ideal post-Young reset. Now, the team is at the point where it might have to attach draft capital to Young to move off his contract.
Hawks can only wish they had traded Trae Young sooner
It's telling that NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Monday that the Wizards are a "legitimate suitor" for Young, and that a trade would center around CJ McCollum, who is 34 and on an expiring contract. It would be a salary dump for Atlanta as a means to avoid Young picking up his $49 million option next season.
Atlanta can't even bank on finessing Sacramento, as The Athletic confirmed on Monday that the Kings still aren't interested in trading for him (subscription required). The Rockets, who have been without Fred VanVleet (a late-season return for FVV is still in play), reportedly aren't looking to make significant roster moves. With less than a month remaining until the deadline, the Hawks are stuck.
You can understand why this isn't the position Atlanta wants to be in when discussing trades for the player who has been the face of its franchise since he became a Hawk in 2018. Young just turned 27 a few months ago, too. It's not like he's past his prime.
If only Atlanta could find a time machine, allowing the front office to get something more than minimal value in return for Young.