The Atlanta Hawks Want to Trade Trae Young….But There’s a Problem
Few moments in recent NBA history have been as pivotal—or as debated—as the Atlanta Hawks’ decision on draft night 2018. After a season of strategic rebuilding, Atlanta landed the third overall pick, setting the stage for a choice that would shape the franchise for years to come. The Sacramento Kings, picking second, selected Marvin Bagley III, leaving the Hawks with the opportunity to draft Luka Dončić, a player widely regarded as a generational talent.
Atlanta did indeed select Dončić, but then made a bold move: trading him to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for the fifth pick (used on Trae Young) and a future first-round selection. The Hawks believed in Young’s potential to become their franchise cornerstone—a dynamic scorer and playmaker with shades of Steph Curry. While Young has delivered on much of that promise, the trade’s long-term impact remains a subject of intense scrutiny.
Now, as the Hawks face a pivotal decision about Young’s future, the franchise is once again at a crossroads. This feature explores the legacy of the 2018 draft, Young’s tenure in Atlanta, the realities of the current trade market, and the lessons for team building in the modern NBA.
The Draft Night Gamble: Luka for Trae
Atlanta’s 2018 draft night maneuver was ambitious and controversial. By trading Dončić, the Hawks passed on a player whose European résumé and skill set suggested immediate stardom. Instead, they acquired Trae Young—a high-risk, high-reward prospect whose college highlights showcased dazzling shooting and creative playmaking, but also raised concerns about defense and shot selection.
Young quickly became the face of the Hawks, captivating fans with his deep range, flashy assists, and fearless attitude. He led Atlanta to a memorable Eastern Conference Finals run in 2021 and established himself as one of the league’s premier offensive talents.
Yet, as Dončić blossomed into an MVP candidate and perennial All-NBA selection in Dallas, the debate over the trade’s wisdom intensified. The Hawks’ gamble had delivered excitement and relevance, but not sustained contention.
The Trae Young Era: Promise and Limitations
Trae Young’s impact on Atlanta has been undeniable. He transformed the Hawks’ offense, set franchise records, and became a fixture in All-Star conversations. His ability to score and distribute the ball made Atlanta must-watch television, and his leadership helped guide the team through rebuilding and playoff pushes.
However, the criticisms that followed Young into the league—defensive effort, shot selection, and fit as a primary option—have gradually become more pronounced. As the Hawks have struggled to break through in the Eastern Conference, questions about Young’s ability to anchor a championship contender have grown louder.
This season, the Hawks entered with high expectations, aiming for a deep playoff run in a wide-open East. Instead, they find themselves entrenched in the play-in tournament for the fifth straight year. The team’s record with Young on the floor (2–8) compared to when he’s out (14–11) has fueled speculation about his long-term fit.
Contract Realities and Trade Dynamics
Young is extension-eligible, with a player option looming in the final year of his deal. The Hawks have not offered an extension, and Young could decline his option to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. The organization now faces a critical decision: move on from their franchise player or risk losing him for nothing.
Conventional wisdom suggests that trading a star in his prime should spark a bidding war. Teams in need of a playmaking guard—those one piece away from contention—should be lining up to acquire Young. But the reality is more complicated.
Young’s contract is substantial, and he’s seeking a sizable extension. He’s also coming off one of the least efficient seasons of his career, with career lows in three-point shooting, scoring, and assists. These factors have dampened his market value and narrowed the pool of potential suitors.
Exploring the Trade Market: Scenarios and Limitations
The NBA’s trade landscape is shaped by fit, cap space, and team identity. When considering Young’s future, several scenarios emerge, but none are without complications:
1. Contending Teams
Most contenders already have established point guards or offensive engines, making it difficult to integrate a ball-dominant player like Young. Teams like the Timberwolves, Magic, Grizzlies, and Mavericks have been floated as possibilities, but each presents roadblocks:
Timberwolves: Mike Conley’s decline creates a need, but pairing Young with Anthony Edwards could disrupt Edwards’ development.
Magic: Orlando lacks a true point guard but would have to part with young assets and compromise their defensive identity.
Grizzlies: A swap of Ja Morant for Young would be a distressed asset trade, but it’s unclear how either player would fit in a new environment.
Mavericks: A move for Young could impact Cooper Flagg’s development and would require significant roster reshuffling.
2. Tanking Teams
Rebuilding franchises are unlikely to pursue Young, as his presence would improve their record and undermine draft positioning. Giving up future assets for a player who raises the floor but not the ceiling is a risky proposition.
3. Salary Dump or Asset Flip
The Hawks could explore deals with teams seeking future assets, such as the Wizards, Jazz, or Hornets. These teams might accept Young’s contract in exchange for protected first-round picks, hoping to rehabilitate his value and flip him later.
4. Blockbuster Trades
A mega-deal involving a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo could include Young as salary filler, but such scenarios are rare and require perfect alignment of team needs and timing.
The Reality: A Limited Market and Uncertain Future
Despite Young’s talent, the market for his services is narrow. Teams are wary of his contract, fit, and recent performance. The Hawks face the possibility of having to attach future assets to move him, or accepting a less-than-ideal return.
Young may opt into the final year of his contract at $49 million, betting on himself to recoup value and pursue a larger deal in 2027. The Hawks must weigh the cost of moving him now against the risk of letting him walk in free agency.
The Organizational Perspective: Patience or Action?
Atlanta’s front office is at a crossroads. Should they push for a trade before the deadline, or let the season play out and revisit options in the offseason? Waiting could allow the market to shift, with teams gaining cap space or becoming more desperate for a playmaker.
The risk is that Young’s value continues to decline, or that the team misses an opportunity to reset its roster and build around emerging stars like Jaylen Johnson. The Hawks must balance short-term competitiveness with long-term flexibility.
The Legacy of the 2018 Draft: Lessons Learned
The Hawks’ decision to trade Luka Dončić for Trae Young and a future pick remains one of the most scrutinized moves in recent memory. While Young has delivered excitement and individual success, Dončić’s ascent in Dallas has elevated the Mavericks to perennial contender status.
Atlanta’s gamble was rooted in belief—in Young’s potential, in the value of additional assets, and in the ability to build a winner through creative roster management. The lessons are clear:
Talent Evaluation: The importance of projecting not just individual skill, but fit and impact on winning.
Team Building: The challenge of constructing a roster around a ball-dominant star in a league that values versatility and defense.
Market Realities: The need to anticipate shifts in player value, contract dynamics, and trade flexibility.
The Broader NBA Context: Team Building and Star Trades
The Young situation reflects broader trends in the NBA. Teams are increasingly cautious about acquiring stars on large contracts, especially those with defensive limitations. The rise of the “second apron” in the salary cap has made roster construction more complex, and franchises are prioritizing flexibility and depth over star power alone.
Recent trades—such as Pascal Siakam and Brandon Ingram—have shown that returning value for stars nearing free agency is challenging. Teams often accept salary relief and draft capital rather than risk losing players for nothing.
The Path Forward: Atlanta’s Options
The Hawks have several paths to consider:
Trade Young for Future Assets: Accept a lower return, prioritize flexibility, and build around young talent.
Wait for the Offseason: Let the market evolve, see which teams become more aggressive, and revisit trade scenarios.
Retain Young and Rebuild: Bet on a resurgence, hope for improved performance, and maintain leverage in negotiations.
Explore Blockbuster Deals: Remain open to opportunities involving other stars, using Young as part of a larger package.
Each option carries risks and rewards. The key is clarity of vision—knowing whether the goal is immediate contention or long-term sustainability.
The Fan Perspective: Hope, Frustration, and Engagement
Atlanta’s fans have experienced the highs of playoff runs and the lows of rebuilding seasons. The debate over Young’s future is a microcosm of the broader conversation about team building, player development, and the pursuit of championships.
Engagement remains high, with fans speculating on trade scenarios, debating the merits of various deals, and hoping for a path that restores the Hawks to prominence.
Conclusion: A Franchise at the Crossroads
The Atlanta Hawks’ journey since the 2018 draft has been defined by bold decisions, star power, and the relentless pursuit of relevance. As the team faces another pivotal moment, the lessons of the past and the realities of the present converge.
Whether the Hawks move on from Trae Young, build around emerging talent, or pursue another blockbuster trade, the future is uncertain but full of possibility. The NBA’s landscape continues to evolve, and Atlanta’s choices will shape not just their own destiny, but the broader narrative of team building in the league.
For fans, analysts, and executives alike, the story of the Hawks and Trae Young is a reminder that in the NBA, every decision matters—and the next one may define a generation.
