Crazy: Trae Young made a doubtful statement that caught several attention during All-Star weekend…
It appears that Trae Young’s time with the Atlanta Hawks may be limited. According to recent sources, the All-Star guard might be dealt in the summer.
Prior to the trade deadline of February 8, the front staff toyed with the idea of parting ways with Dejounte Murray. It seems like they could keep Murray instead of starting over with Young.
At his All-Star weekend news conference, Young addressed the speculation about his future with the Hawks when addressing the media.
“It’s part of it,” Young said. “The best players in the game have all been traded. Some of the few lucky ones have been blessed to be drafted in situations where they can win championships, and it all be perfect for them and stay in that one situation forever. That’s what I wanted to do. That’s what I want to do with Atlanta. But who knows? This is the type of league where things change and happen. My mindset is staying in Atlanta right now. I don’t get caught up in all the rumors and stuff.”
Young, 25, is in his sixth season with the Hawks. Thus far, the front office has been unable to build a contending team around the offensive-minded guard. His defensive deficiencies have likely played a significant role.
Still, there’s no denying the impact Young can make on offense. This season, he’s averaging 26.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 10.9 assists. He’s shooting 42.7 percent from the field and 37.1 percent from three-point range. However, if the Hawks want to be successful with Young as one of their star players, they need to alter their approach.
Quin Snyder will require some wings that can move in two directions and cover several places on defense. A strong big man who can guard the rim and cover for Young when he guards the perimeter will also be necessary. For that scenario, Clint Capela was the perfect big, but he’s about to enter his last year of play.
Murray might be retained by the Hawks in light of the extensive overhaul they would have to do. He can lead an offense, play defense, and serve as the main source of scoring. In addition, the team would get a substantial trade package in exchange for losing its star player.
Young will have until the offseason to prove he’s still the franchise cornerstone Atlanta believes him to be. If the Hawks crash out of the playoffs in the early stages, that could be the final straw. At which point, Hawks fans may need to be prepared for a drawn-out trade saga during the offseason.
