Trae Young makes historic decision as Hawks push for postseason

The Atlanta Hawks already had two assistant general managers, and now they boast three.

Hawks general manager Landry Fields has former NBA sharpshooter Kyle Kover and Onsi Saleh as his AGMs. But Hawks star Trae Young just added the title to his already impressive – and still building – resume.

“Excited to have Trae Young back with our program as Assistant General Manager!” Oklahoma Basketball announced in a post on X on March 31.

“The future is now! BOOMER,” Young posted on X in a post reacting to the news.

Young’s new role follows his latest act, setting the stage for generations to come.

“University of Oklahoma Vice President and Athletics Director Joe Castiglione announced Monday that OU has hired former Sooners All-American and four-time NBA All-Star Trae Young as assistant general manager for men's basketball. Castiglione also announced that Young has pledged to donate $1 million to support the championship efforts of that program,” OU Athletics Communications team wrote on March 31.

“As assistant general manager, the 26-year-old Young — who attended Norman North High School and was named a first-team All-American and National Freshman of the Year for the Sooners in the 2017-18 season when he became the first player in NCAA Division I history to lead the nation in points per game (27.4) and assists per game (8.7) — will lend support in OU player personnel and strategic roster management planning, and will serve a critical role in helping build student-athletes' brands and maximizing their potential.”

Castiglione called Young a “son of Norman, Oklahoma” and an “OU legend,” commending his passion for and dedication to his alma mater.

They also noted his continued “financial generosity.” 

“Stepping into the role of assistant GM for OU Basketball is a huge honor,” said Young via the OC Athletics Comms team. “This program has such a rich history, which I am fortunate to have been and continue to be a part of. In my new role, my focus is on helping contribute to OU’s winning culture, working alongside the coaching staff and front office to bring in the right players to help us compete and succeed at the highest level.”

Sooners head coach also thanked Young for his donation and noted the four-time All-Star’s profile gives their program “immediate credibility with younger players.”

Young holds multiple program records at OU, including single-season points and assists.

Those trends have continued with the Hawks as Young has translated his historic college career into an NBA tenure following a similar trajectory. It has all led to this historic opportunity for the former No. 5 overall pick in 2018.

Trae Young joins Stephen Curry in front office roles for alma maters

Young is the latest NBA star going back to his college roots in historic fashion, joining Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry. Curry was named to the same role with his alma mater, Davidson, setting a historic precedent that Young has followed.

“Curry becomes the first active player in U.S. major professional sports to take an administrative job with an NCAA team,” ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote on March 10. “In his new role, Curry, who played three seasons at Davidson (2006-09), will provide guidance to the men's and women's teams based on his college and professional experience.

“He'll work with general manager Austin Buntz, a former Under Armour global sports marketing team member.”

Of course, that makes Young the youngest active player to accept such a position.