Hawks' Trae Young receives trade update amid $215 million contract stalemate

Jeremy Beren

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Hawks' Trae Young receives trade update amid $215 million contract stalemate image

Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Hawks may be one of the NBA's most active teams in the weeks leading up to the Feb. 5 trade deadline.

Atlanta began this season with a 9-5 record, even while All-Star guard Trae Young missed time due to knee ligament strain. Young players like Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson continued to take steps forward, while the splashy offseason acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis generated optimism that the Hawks were building a contender in the wide-open Eastern Conference.

But in recent weeks, the Hawks have regressed. Amid rumors linking Atlanta with another blockbuster trade -- this time for Dallas Mavericks big man Anthony Davis -- it seems apparent that further change is coming, and it could result in a parting of the ways with Young, the franchise's longtime star.

MORE: Hawks make odd Trae Young-Anthony Davis trade decision

ESPN's Tim MacMahon said Monday on The Hoop Collective podcast that the Hawks are trying to trade Young before he enters a contract year in 2026-27. Momentum has stalled on a contract extension in Atlanta for Young, the league's assists champ last year; MacMahon is convinced that this is no coincidence.

"They did not make any attempt to get him signed to an extension," MacMahon said. "When that's the case with your face of the franchise, that's a pretty clear message that the end could be near."

The renewed focus on Young's future in Atlanta comes amid the Hawks' recent tumble down the Eastern Conference standings.

Since Young's return from his injury, the Hawks are 0-6 and have allowed at least 125 points in each of those games. Atlanta, now, 15-18, sits 10th in the East -- and the hard-charging Milwaukee Bucks are only 1.5 games behind them.

However, Young's defensive limitations and recent injury concerns will limit his trade market. MacMahon compared it to the situations facing LaMelo Ball in Charlotte and Ja Morant in Memphis -- players who similarly might be ready for change, but face reduced interest in their services.

"There's not going to be some wide array of teams raising their hand and trying to get in on the bidding, and I'm not sure if you're even gonna be able to make a trade that's going to bring value in return," MacMahon said.

That said, Atlanta seems highly motivated to move on from Young and enter a new era. Only time will tell how this challenge is resolved.

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