The loud noises that come with the NBA offseason have quelled. The draft is over, high-level free agents signed, and any blockbuster trades look like they have already happened. Most teams have put together their rosters for the season and are starting to finalize what next season is going to look like. With that in mind, there is still plenty more time for offseason fireworks in the NBA, and they might be about to go off for the Atlanta Hawks.
The seven-year NBA veteran has played his entire career thus far in Atlanta following a draft-day trade with the Dallas Mavericks, swapping picks that sent the Oklahoma Sooner to the Hawks. While Trae Young has consistently been a focus of trade rumors, general manager Onsi Saleh has made offseason moves to secure a squad around the prolific point guard that can contend in the Eastern Conference, and many believe Young is more secure than ever before.
However, recent reports show front offices around the league are paying attention to the Hawks' star, leaving the door open for the Hawks to make a blockbuster move. This just leaves the question of whether or not they should.
The offseason roster moves built arguably the most talented Hawks roster during Young’s tenure. This, mixed with Young’s loyalty to head coach Quinn Snyder, would lead many to believe the Hawks feel secure with Young for the first time in a few years. While Young is the most likely Hawk to be traded before the season starts, the likelihood of that happening is doubtful.
Young, a four-time all-star in Atlanta, had a successful 2024-25 season, averaging 24.2 points per game, with a 34.0% average beyond the arc, and an NBA-best 11.6 assists, leading the Hawks to a 40-42 record.
Young will look to improve on those numbers with the new weapons he will have at his disposal. Those weapons include Kristaps Porziņģis, whom the Hawks acquired in a three-team deal on July 7, free agent acquisitions Luke Kennard and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and incoming rookie Asa Newell from the University of Georgia.
If all those additions meet expectations, the trade talk surrounding Young will die down. If not, it'll be interesting to see what the future holds for the star guard in Atlanta.