The Atlanta Hawks are making a bold move as they prepare to part ways with Trae Young after eight seasons with the team. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Young’s agents are currently working with the Hawks on a potential trade as the NBA trade deadline approaches.
The decision to trade Young, a top guard in his prime, has raised eyebrows across the league. During a recent episode of the “Dan Patrick Show,” former NBA star Reggie Miller shed some light on why the Hawks are willing to move on from Young. Miller suggested that Young’s lackluster work ethic may be the driving force behind the team’s decision.
“Sometimes, it’s getting the success too early. I think his decline really started after the Hawks went to the conference finals and lost to Milwaukee Bucks… I think things came too easy for him,” Miller explained. He further revealed that there have been murmurs within the league about Young’s work habits, including reports of him not practicing diligently and not putting in the extra effort to improve his game.
While Miller expressed hope that these rumors about Young are not true, he emphasized the importance of the young star focusing on enhancing his skills and physical conditioning to maximize his potential value to a team.
Since joining the Hawks in 2018, Trae Young has been a cornerstone for the franchise, averaging impressive stats of 25.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game. However, despite leading the team to three playoff appearances and a conference finals berth in his first season, the Hawks have struggled in recent years, failing to progress past the first round of the playoffs.
In light of the trade talks surrounding Young, ESPN’s Marc J. Spears provided insight into the player’s mindset regarding a potential move. Spears revealed that Young is not actively seeking a trade but is open-minded about the possibility of a new team and a fresh start.
The decision not to offer Young a contract extension further indicates the Hawks’ readiness to part ways with the talented guard. With two years remaining on his current contract, including a hefty player option for the 2026-27 season, Young’s future in Atlanta appears uncertain.
As the trade deadline looms, all eyes are on Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks as they navigate this pivotal moment in the team’s history. The potential departure of Young marks a significant shift for the franchise, signaling a new chapter in the team’s trajectory in the NBA.
