Troubling Signs for Trae Young: Hawks Star Faces Uncertainty as Challenges Threaten His Future and Atlanta’s Season Outlook 

For years, whispers of Trae Young’s dissatisfaction in Atlanta have surfaced. Trade rumors have swirled, roster reshuffles have been attempted, and the Hawks have repeatedly tried to retool around their star guard. Yet this season feels different. The franchise stands at a crossroads, and the possibility of moving on from Young is no longer idle speculation—it is a looming reality.

The 2025–26 campaign was supposed to be a turning point. Atlanta entered the year with optimism, armed with new acquisitions and a roster designed to maximize Young’s talents. Instead, injuries, uneven performances, and surprising success without their star have forced the organization to confront an uncomfortable question: Is it time to end the Trae Young era?

Building the Perfect Team Around Trae

The Hawks’ offseason was widely praised. They added Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kristaps Porziņģis, bolstering both perimeter depth and frontcourt versatility. Young talents like Zachary Reese, the previous year’s No. 1 overall pick, and Jalen Johnson were expected to take leaps. Dyson Daniels, fresh off a breakout season, promised secondary playmaking and defensive toughness.

On paper, it was the ideal roster construction for a player like Young. Length, defense, shooting, and athleticism surrounded him. The Hawks envisioned Young as the offensive engine, with teammates filling every other gap. In a weakened Eastern Conference, Atlanta was projected as a top-four seed, with legitimate aspirations of reaching the conference finals—or even the NBA Finals in a dream scenario.

A Season Gone Sideways

Reality, however, has not matched the blueprint. Daniels and Reese struggled early, failing to meet expectations. Then came the pivotal blow: Trae Young’s injury.

Traditionally, the Hawks have collapsed without Young. His playmaking and scoring have been the lifeblood of their offense. Yet this time, something unexpected happened. In the eight games following his injury, Atlanta went 6–2. Their defense soared to fourth in the league, their offense held steady at 14th, and suddenly the Hawks looked balanced, resilient, and—dare we say—better.

This stretch has sparked debate across the league. Are the Hawks genuinely stronger without Young? Or is this simply a small-sample anomaly? Regardless, the optics are striking: a team built around Young is thriving in his absence.

The Defensive Liability

Young’s offensive brilliance has never been in question. His vision, pick-and-roll mastery, and deep shooting range make him one of the most dynamic guards in the NBA. But his defense has long been a glaring weakness.

Without Young, Atlanta’s defensive personnel shines. Daniels, Johnson, and Reese provide length and versatility. Porziņģis anchors the paint. The Hawks no longer have to compensate for Young’s shortcomings, and the results speak for themselves.

This is not to say Young is expendable. Few players can single-handedly elevate an offense the way he does. But the contrast between Atlanta’s defensive identity with and without him is impossible to ignore.

Contract Uncertainty

The Hawks’ hesitation to commit to Young long-term adds fuel to the fire. He was extension-eligible this past offseason, with a player option looming in 2026. Yet Atlanta chose not to sign him.

This decision speaks volumes. If the organization truly believed Young was the centerpiece of their future, they would have locked him in. Instead, negotiations stalled, reportedly over Young’s desire for a full max contract. The Hawks, it seems, were unwilling to meet that price.

This impasse raises the central dilemma: Is Young worth $50–60 million annually? Or would that money be better spent elsewhere?

Two Possible Futures

Atlanta now faces two diverging paths:

Commit to Trae Young Young returns from injury, the Hawks surge, and the team fulfills its potential. In this scenario, Atlanta offers him a new deal—likely not a full max, but a compromise that secures his future. The roster built this year becomes the long-term core: Young, Johnson, Daniels, Reese, Porziņģis, and others.
Move On Without Him The Hawks continue to thrive without Young, reinforcing doubts about his fit. Negotiations fail, and Atlanta explores trade options or allows him to walk in free agency. The franchise pivots to building around Johnson, Reese, and Daniels, armed with flexibility and draft capital.

Both scenarios carry risk. Both could redefine the franchise for years to come.

The Trade Market Question

If Atlanta chooses to trade Young, what would his market look like?

Despite his offensive brilliance, Young’s defensive limitations and contract demands complicate matters. Teams may hesitate to surrender massive assets for a player who requires specialized roster construction. The Hawks, meanwhile, will demand significant value—multiple first-round picks or young stars.

Past reports suggest Atlanta has quietly shopped Young before, but offers never met their threshold. The question now is whether the market has shifted. Would a contender desperate for offensive firepower bite? Or would the Hawks find themselves with limited suitors?

The Pelicans Pick: A Hidden Ace

One factor tilting the scales is Atlanta’s possession of the New Orleans Pelicans’ unprotected first-round pick. With the Pelicans floundering after firing their coach, that selection could land in the top five.

This asset gives Atlanta enormous flexibility. They could add a cost-controlled star to their young core, or package the pick in a blockbuster trade. In a scenario where Young departs, the pick could serve as the foundation of a new era.

Imagine pairing Jalen Johnson with a top-five rookie, alongside Reese and Daniels. Suddenly, the Hawks’ future looks bright—even without Young.

Building Around Jalen Johnson

Johnson’s emergence is central to this debate. Many within the organization believe he is already the team’s best player. His versatility, defense, and improving offense make him a cornerstone. Unlike Young, Johnson’s contract is manageable, and his skill set aligns with modern NBA trends.

If the Hawks pivot away from Young, Johnson becomes the focal point. Surrounding him with Reese, Daniels, and a top draft pick could create a balanced, sustainable roster. For a franchise weary of defensive liabilities and contract headaches, this path is enticing.

The Case for Keeping Trae

Still, dismissing Young’s value would be shortsighted. He remains one of the league’s premier offensive engines. With him, Atlanta’s offense consistently ranks among the top 10. His ability to create shots for himself and others is unmatched.

If the Hawks believe their current roster can mask his defensive flaws, keeping Young could be the safer bet. After all, stars of his caliber are rare. Letting him walk—or trading him for less than full value—could haunt the franchise.

The Case for Moving On

Yet the counterargument is compelling. Young’s defense is a liability, his contract demands are steep, and his fit with Atlanta’s emerging core is questionable. The Hawks’ recent success without him suggests they may not need him to thrive.

By trading Young, Atlanta could avoid a financial albatross, gain assets, and fully embrace a youth movement. With Johnson, Reese, Daniels, and a top draft pick, the Hawks could build a team defined by balance, defense, and versatility.

The Fan Perspective

For Hawks fans, the situation is bittersweet. Young has been the face of the franchise, delivering memorable performances and playoff runs. His flair and confidence embody Atlanta’s identity.

But fans also crave sustained success. If moving on from Young offers a clearer path to contention, many may accept the change. The emotional attachment is strong, but the desire for winning is stronger.

Conclusion: A Franchise at a Crossroads

The Atlanta Hawks stand on the brink of a franchise-altering decision. Trae Young’s injury and the team’s surprising success without him have forced a reevaluation of his role. Contract uncertainty, defensive concerns, and the allure of building around Jalen Johnson and a top draft pick all point toward a possible end to the Young era.

Whether Atlanta recommits to its star or pivots to a new identity, the outcome will shape the franchise for years. For now, the Hawks must weigh loyalty against pragmatism, star power against balance, and short-term success against long-term vision.

The Trae Young era may not be over yet—but its future has never been more uncertain.