NBA insider reckons Trae Young would have suited up for another team under one condition
The situation between Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks can be quite confusing. His name is tossed around in potential trade rumors, yet the front office appears to be all-in on Young.
However, a deeper look shows the Hawks are only sticking with Young because there is no market for him, at least according to Tim McMahon.
"The simple fact of the matter is, if there was a real market for Trae Young, he'd be somewhere else right now," McMahon said.
Young's name has been linked to the LA Lakers and San Antonio Spurs. However, the 2023-24 trade deadline went by without any significant news about the high-scoring guard.
Later reports suggested that the Spurs' interest in him was overblown. Meanwhile, the Lakers appear to be sticking with their current roster, at least through the first part of the upcoming season.
For now, Young will remain in a Hawks jersey where he gets to work with the number one overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher.
Also read: Watch: Trae Young and Zach LaVine hit the floor at USC court during offseason
Trae Young could become a free agent by 2026
There is no reason the Hawks would part ways with Trae Young unless they can secure a blockbuster deal for him where they get a superstar in return.
After all, Young said in an interview with Taylor Rooks in March that he envisions winning a title with Atlanta.
Of course, things could change over the next few seasons. Young, like any other star, wants to win. If Atlanta cannot contend, their cornerstone has a player option on his contract for the 2026-27 season.
If he becomes disgruntled within the next two seasons, he could simply decide not to re-sign with the team. This would allow Young to test free agency in 2026.
Young has averaged 25.5 points and 9.5 assists in six seasons with the Hawks. He has already led them to one Conference Finals appearance, where they lost to the eventual champion Milwaukee Bucks.
However, the Hawks have yet to replicate that success. They were eliminated in the opening round of the Playoffs in 2022 and 2023 and failed to secure a postseason berth last season.