The Atlanta Hawks and Young are officially at a crossroads.

Trae Young, the face of the franchise for nearly a decade, has requested a trade, with his agents now working collaboratively with the Hawks to find a resolution. This isn’t a surprise anymore. It’s the inevitable result of years of instability, half-measures, and unmet expectations.

The Numbers Tell the Story

In the 2025–26 season so far, Trae Young is averaging:

• 19.3 points
• 8.9 assists
• 1 steal
• In just 10 games, while Atlanta sits at 17–20

The raw assist numbers are still there, but the scoring dip matters. This is one of the lowest scoring stretches of Trae’s prime, and it’s happening while the Hawks continue to hover below .500, again.

Since their 2021 Eastern Conference Finals run, Atlanta has:

• Won one playoff series
• Missed the playoffs twice
• Constantly reshuffled the roster without committing to a true direction

At some point, the partnership breaks. That point is now.

Why This Makes Sense for Both Sides

For Atlanta, this is about control. Trae’s value is still high, but the longer this drags on, the harder it becomes to reset cleanly. A trade now gives the Hawks a chance to:

• Rebuild with draft capital
• Reset their cap flexibility
• Re-center the franchise around a new timeline

For Trae, it’s about fit and urgency. He’s 27, deep into his prime, and still hasn’t played with a roster that fully complements his strengths — shooting, spacing, defensive support, and playoff-ready structure.

Where Could Trae Actually Go?

Miami Heat

Miami makes sense immediately. They need a primary creator, their spacing fits Trae perfectly, and Erik Spoelstra would maximize his playmaking. The question: assets. Miami would have to get creative.

Washington Wizards

Washington has flexibility, young pieces, and a clear need for a star to anchor the franchise. Trae would instantly become the face of the rebuild — but does he want to wait?

Dallas Mavericks

This one is fascinating. Luka + Trae would be chaotic, historic, and nearly impossible to guard offensively. The defensive concerns are real, but the offensive ceiling is absurd.

Los Angeles (Wildcard)

Whether it’s the Lakers or Clippers, LA is always lurking. Star power matters, and Trae still moves markets.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just a trade request. It’s an indictment of Atlanta’s direction over the last five years.

Trae Young is still one of the league’s most dangerous offensive engines, but the Hawks ran out of time to build properly around him. Now, both sides are choosing the clean break.

The next move doesn’t just define Trae’s career.
It defines the Hawks’ next decade.