Ever since the Atlanta Hawks didn't sign Trae Young to an extension before the season started, the writing was on the wall that a midseason trade could happen. With less than a month left until the deadline, that's the direction things are headed, as ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported on Monday that Young's camp was working with the team on a trade.
There is a very real chance that he has already played in his final game for the Hawks, as he's missed the past five games with a quad injury.
He is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against New Orleans, though. Perhaps fans will get to see him in action before the curtain officially closes, but that isn't guaranteed.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Monday that the Hawks were discussing a Young trade with the Wizards. On Tuesday, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype added that the Bucks, Timberwolves, and Clippers have also "monitored" his situation. A trade with Washington seems to be the most likely route, but we'll have to wait and see.
There is always the chance that he'll stay in Atlanta for at least the rest of the season, although the possibility of that happening grows dimmer by the day.
Trae Young's time with the Hawks is coming to an end
It's safe to say that this isn't the way that fans thought the 2025-26 season would go, not after the offseason hype. Atlanta retooled the roster over the summer, landing players that fit well alongside Young. It felt like the Hawks had a real shot to be a top team in the East again, but they haven't lived up to those expectations, sitting 10th in the conference with a 17-21 record.
They have been without Young for most of the season (he's played 10 games), going 13-9 without him after his knee injury. Kristaps Porziņġis has played in only 16 games himself, missing time due to an illness, but he recently returned to the lineup. Like Young, he could be traded before the deadline, as he's on an expiring deal.
Atlanta is currently the team to watch leading up to the deadline, and that will continue to be the case unless Giannis Antetokounmpo requests a trade from Milwaukee. Just because Feb. 5 is still a few weeks away doesn't mean a deal won't happen sooner, so it's best to brace yourself now to get that notification on your phone.