Trae Young is no stranger to the yearly trade talks that have circled him throughout his career, and his name has already popped up several times in the rumor mill. However, new Atlanta Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh just threw that narrative out the window in his first press conference as GM.
Saleh shut down any trade speculation surrounding Ice Trae with his comments on Atlanta’s commitment to their franchise player. Young is coming off the best playmaking season of his career, in which he averaged a league-leading 11.6 assists and led the Hawks to a top-five scoring offense and top-five assist percentage.
“We’re locked in with Trae,” Saleh said. “We’re just locked into next season, ready to move forward. Be the best team that we can possibly be moving forward … I think a lot of his leadership went unnoticed to the common eye. The way that he helped develop our young guys and made them better was significant.”
While Young and the Hawks seem committed to each other, there is no doubt that Atlanta has plenty of work to do this offseason. With Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, and Damian Lillard all likely sidelined with Achilles tears for the entirety of next season, the Hawks could be looking at one of the most wide-open Eastern Conferences in recent history.
Onsi Saleh’s approach to the draft could fuel Trae Young’s motivation
With the 2025 NBA Draft right around the corner, Saleh has already expressed an aggressive mentality that could give extra motivation to Young and his teammates. Saleh plans on picking the best player, regardless of position, in this year’s draft.
Multiple reports have also suggested that Atlanta may try to move up in the draft using their two first-round picks. Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor reported that the Hawks are “looking to move way up from this pick (No. 13) and have called teams even drafting in the top five.”
Whether Saleh keeps picks No. 13 and 22 or uses one or both of them to move up in the draft, players like Young should love to hear their new leader wants to explore and attack as many opportunities as he can.
Players like Walter Clayton Jr. and Thomas Sorber have emerged as potential draft steals that Atlanta could immediately utilize as impact players. The Hawks have been especially linked to Sorber in various reports. The 19-year-old big man showcased high promise in his freshman year at Georgetown and his pre-draft workouts, and he could be the perfect replacement for Clint Capela.
With Saleh and the rest of the front office working overtime ahead of draft night, Hawks fans should be excited for what’s to come. Despite a disappointing finish to last season, Atlanta isn’t going anywhere – and neither is Young.