Trae Young: Goodbye to Atlanta? 4 Possible NBA Destinations and Rumors

The Future of Trae Young in the NBA: Next for a Change?

With only 30 days until the NBA trade deadline, February 5th, rumors about potential major moves are already circulating. One of the most prominent involves the Atlanta Hawks and their star, Trae Young. Sources close to the situation report that both the Hawks and Young’s representatives are working together to find an agreement that benefits both parties. This move could mark the end of a stage of more than seven years with the franchise, a period that included Young’s selection with the number 5 pick in the 2018 draft, in a trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Dallas Mavericks. Young has been a key figure for the Hawks, leading the team to important moments such as the Eastern Conference semifinals in 2021 and the NBA Cup semifinals in 2024. In addition, he has led the league in assists on three occasions. At 27 years old, he is already the Hawks’ all-time leader in assists and three-pointers. With transfer conversations underway, sports experts analyze the situation, including the challenges the Hawks might face in finding a team interested in Young and the possible offers Atlanta might consider.

The Path Traveled

In the summer, Atlanta’s new general manager, Onsi Saleh, reinforced the squad with the arrival of players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kristaps Porzingis. However, the expectations generated have not been met, and the Hawks have had an irregular performance. The Hawks’ defense, ranked 17th in the NBA, worsens significantly when Young is on the court. These factors suggest that a trade of Young could be imminent.

Trae Young’s Market: A Challenge?

Finding a team willing to acquire Young could be complicated due to the saturation of point guards in the league and the player’s high contract, which amounts to $46 million this season and a player option of $49 million for the 2026-27 season. The Washington Wizards could be a possible destination, as they have expiring veteran contracts and need a long-term solution at the point guard position. In addition, the Wizards’ vice president of player personnel, Travis Schlenk, was the one who drafted Young in 2018.

Possible Transfer Scenarios

Here are some proposals that the Hawks could consider:

Option 1: Wizards

Wizards receive:

• Trae Young
• A 2031 second-round pick (via Hawks or Rockets)

Hawks receive:

• Malaki Branham
• AJ Johnson
• CJ McCollum
• A 2026 first-round pick (via Clippers, Rockets, or Thunder)

This agreement would allow the Hawks to have financial flexibility and McCollum to reinforce playmaking.

Option 2: Wizards

Wizards receive:

• Trae Young
• A 2026 second-round pick (via Hornets, protected)

Hawks receive:

• Malaki Branham
• Devin Carter
• AJ Johnson
• Malik Monk
• Dario Saric
• A 2026 first-round pick (via Clippers, Rockets, or Thunder)

This option could offer the Hawks greater depth in the roster.

Option 3: Bucks

Bucks receive:

• Trae Young

Hawks receive:

• Kyle Kuzma
• Bobby Portis
• Gary Harris
• A 2031 first-round pick

The Bucks would look to add talent around Giannis Antetokounmpo, while the Hawks could obtain a valuable first-round pick.

Option 4: Trail Blazers

Trail Blazers receive:

• Trae Young

Hawks receive:

• Jerami Grant
• Robert Williams III

The Trail Blazers, who need a point guard, could get an offensive boost. The Hawks, for their part, would receive Jerami Grant, who has had a good season.

Final Analysis

The best option for the Hawks would be a deal that allows them to free up cap space for the 2026-27 season, acquire a starting point guard, and add draft picks. The trade with the Wizards that includes McCollum meets these requirements. The Wizards could be interested in acquiring an established player in exchange for cap space. Although retaining their first-round pick is a priority, they could look to compete for a play-in spot in the near future.