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ESPN’s Tim MacMahon believes Trae Young’s time with the Atlanta Hawks could be nearing its end.
As the NBA trade deadline draws closer, all signs are pointing to the end of the Trae Young era in Atlanta.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said as much on the Hoop Collective podcast Monday, explaining the team is actively shopping the No. 5 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
“The Hawks certainly are indicating they’re looking for an exit ramp with Trae Young,” MacMahon said. “They did not make any attempt to get him signed to an extension. When that’s the case with the face of your franchise, that’s a pretty clear message that the end could be near.”
Atlanta (15-18) is currently clinging to the final spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament, but with Giannis Antetokounmpo back from injury for the Milwaukee Bucks (who are in 11th in the Eastern Conference), that may not be the case for much longer. The Hawks need a jolt at the trade deadline, and Young could be the piece they move to get it.
Trae Young’s Deteriorating Relationship With Atlanta Hawks
An All-Star last season, Young’s relationship with the team that drafted him has quickly soured in 2025. The two sides did not come to an agreement on a contract extension this offseason, leaving him with one more guaranteed year on his current deal (a player option for 2026-27).
Young then sprained his MCL in a game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 29 and missed 22 games. He returned on Thursday, December 18 against the Charlotte Hornets but has been inconsistent, following up a 30-point game against the Miami Heat on Friday, December 26 with a nine-point outing against the New York Knicks on Saturday, December 27. The Hawks are 0-6 since he’s been back in the starting lineup.
Young’s big contract ($46 million cap hit this year and $49 million next year), injury history and poor play as of late are going to make moving him by the deadline difficult for Atlanta.
“It’s not going to be easy,” MacMahon said. “There’s not going to be some wide array of teams raising their hand and trying to get in on the bidding, and I’m not sure if you’re even gonna be able to make a trade that’s going to bring value in return.”
Atlanta Hawks Reportedly Targeting Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis is one player the Hawks are reportedly targeting, and a trade for the big man could make sense in the context of the evolving Trae Young situation.
The Dallas Mavericks center is another former All-Star with a lengthy injury history. He’s played just 16 games this season and went down with a groin injury on Christmas Day against the Golden State Warriors. When he’s been on the court, Davis also hasn’t been very effective, posting a negative overall rating.
The market for Davis may be slow to develop as well given all of these factors, and Atlanta may not have to give up a ton of draft capital to acquire him. Having Young in a deal would certainly help balance salaries, as Davis is making $54 million this season and $58 million next season.
Colin Capece is an NBA Contributing Writer at Heavy. His work has appeared in The Sporting News, The Dallas Morning News, USA Today and The Arizona Republic, where he covered everything from Caitlin Clark mania to a burgeoning cricket league. Capece received his master’s degree from Northwestern University and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame. He roots for all the long-suffering New York sports teams. More about Colin Capece
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