The Atlanta Hawks were off to an underwhelming start to the 2025-26 season when Trae Young was lost to a knee injury. In the weeks since losing their star point guard, there is no denying that the Hawks have found a clear identity and have completely exceeded expectations as they look like a legitimate playoff team.
Watching the Hawks over the last weeks of the season has provided a level of defensive intensity and entertainment Atlanta fans haven't seen from the franchise in recent memory. Understandably, this has brought some obvious questions up around Young and whether or not it is time for the Hawks to turn the page from the point guard. He's been the face of the franchise for the last five seasons and went so far as to push the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021 in what was truly an incredible run, but all good things must eventually end.
Are the Hawks' recent winning ways the beginning of the end for Young in A-Town?
Hawks' Success in Trae Young's Absence Adds New Layer to Future in Atlanta
Watching Young during this time appeared to flash the guard's potential ceiling and where he could take the Hawks if the franchise could simply build a consistent lineup around him. However, in the last two seasons, there has been noticeable regression in Young's shooting efficiency and an inability to match up defensively due to size mismatches. He was even shooting 37.1% from the floor and 19.2% from deep before getting sidelined at the end of October.
As much effort as Young gives on the defensive end, there are simply some issues that cannot be overcome.
Atlanta now sits fifth in the Eastern Conference and is well within reach of making a deep run. It is hard to remember the East ever being this open, and the Hawks benefit from the fact that they still have a trade exception that can be utilized, as well as a handful of attractive draft pick options. Add in Young, and there is every reason to begin to entertain whether or not the Hawks could part ways with the star.
While there is no denying what Young means to the city and how great and underrated a playmaker he remains, there are understandable questions. Watching the Hawks play at such a high level while their best player is sidelined is going to garner this response.
Without Young in the lineup, this is a lengthy and athletic group of defenders capable of running at a high speed and switching defensively at any time. There is a lineup on the floor that always feels capable of exploding and creating highlight plays based on a collective sense of urgency to replace their missing playmaker.
This has left Hawks fans wondering whether or not this has truly opened the door for a potential trade of Young. He's currently carrying a $45.9 million cap hit this season and holds a $48.9 million player option for the 2025-26 season, per Spotrac, making any potential trade easier said than done.
Regardless, there is no question that the pressure is turned up on Young to come in and play at a high level after watching his team appear to improve without him. Leaving room to wonder what the future might hold if it's immediately clear that his play hurts the Hawks more than it helps them.