Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young was a prominent candidate to be traded this offseason, but his market value has significantly declined after the franchise traded Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans last month.
According to a report by ESPN’s Zach Lowe, the buzz around Young being moved has quieted down.
Following their decision to select Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 pick in the draft and the subsequent trade of Murray, the Hawks seem committed to building around a younger core.
At just 25 years old, Young could still play a pivotal role in the team’s future plans as initially envisioned. Moreover, with the San Antonio Spurs holding control over Atlanta’s first-round picks through 2027, tanking is not a viable option for the Hawks. While they could potentially regain some draft capital by negotiating with the Spurs, Lowe indicates that the Spurs have shown little interest in acquiring Young.
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The Los Angeles Lakers, once rumored to be interested in trading for Young, have also backed off due to Atlanta’s high asking price for the three-time All-Star. This has resulted in Young’s trade market becoming “as chilly as it’s ever been,” according to Lowe.
Despite the current trade market downturn, Young’s offensive capabilities remain a crucial asset for the Hawks, making them competitive for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. His potential to elevate any team he joins in the future also remains undeniable.
Last season, in 54 games, Young averaged an impressive 25.7 points and 10.8 assists per game, shooting 43.0% from the floor and 37.3% from three-point range.
His outstanding performance earned him a spot on his third All-Star team in just six seasons, reinforcing his value and impact on the court.
As the offseason progresses, the Hawks appear poised to move forward with Young as a central figure in their strategy, aiming to leverage his talents to build a competitive team around him.
The future remains bright for Young and the Hawks as they navigate the complexities of team building and player development.
