Is Trae Young growing tired of the Hawks?
Rumor has it the All-Star point guard could be forming his exit plan as the Hawks continue to struggle.
Rival executives in attendance at the NBA’s annual G League Winter Showcase this week believe Young could be the next star player to request a trade if the team “doesn’t make inroads come postseason time,” according to Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes, who cited anonymous sources.
Young is in the first of a five-year, $207 million rookie maximum extension with the Hawks that he signed last August. The 24-year-old is under contract through the 2026-27 season, but has an early termination option after the 2025-26 season.
The report came after the Hawks fell to 16-16 following a 110-108 loss to the Bulls on Wednesday. Young led the Hawks with 34 points, adding six rebounds and six assists.
Hawks point guard Trae Young during a game against the Hornets at Spectrum Center on Dec. 16, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Getty Images
That same day, the Hawks reassigned President of Basketball Operations Travis Schlenk to an advisory role, per Haynes.
The Hawks have lost six of their last 10 games. They’re in a three-way tie for seventh in the Eastern Conference with the Heat and Pacers.
Another indicator of potential trouble in Atlanta took place earlier this month when Young missed a game against the Nuggets after a reported spat with head coach Nate McMillan. The coach later told reporters that Young did not play due to a “miscommunication.”
Previous 1 of 3 Next Advertisement Hawks point guard drives to the basket during the game against the Chicago Bulls on Dec. 21, 2022 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Hawks point guard Trae Young drives to the basket during the game against the Chicago Bulls on Dec. 21, 2022 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Advertisement
The Hawks have struggled with chemistry since reaching the Eastern Conference finals two years ago. Last season, they didn’t make it out of the first round of the playoffs, losing in five games to the Heat.
Atlanta bolstered its backcourt in the offseason with the addition of All-Star guard Dejounte Murray in a move that was backed by Young. But so far it has only added up to a .500 record with trade rumors now swirling.