"The Hawks and their diminutive point guard-who can be a free agent this summer or exercise a $49 million one-year option-didn't agree to a contract extension in the offseason, leaving both sides with a great deal of uncertainty. The uncomfortable situation attained a kind of clarity when Young sprained his MCL in October and missed 22 games: This instantly made the Hawks better and more dynamic, because they no longer had to cover for Young's considerable defensive shortcomings."
"If Atlanta's front office still needed more evidence, they got it quickly thereafter, as the team lost and surrendered at least 126 points in the five games Young has played in since his return. Mercifully, ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Monday evening that Young's representatives are yanking the ripcord: In scoopster patois, the two sides "have begun positive and collaborative talks over the past week on finding a resolution.""
"Said resolution will probably be a trade of shockingly little consequence. On the one hand, Young is a 27-year-old four-time all-star with a 25-point career scoring average and he led the NBA in assists last year. On the other, he is one of the worst defenders in the league and, while he remains one of its best passers, his heliocentric style of basketball is increasingly anachronistic in today's game."
Trae Young's relationship with the Hawks has become uncertain after no contract extension and his upcoming free agency or $49 million option. Young's October MCL sprain and 22-game absence coincided with improved Hawks defense and performance. Since his return, the team has struggled defensively, surrendering at least 126 points in five games. Young is a four-time All-Star who averages 25 points and led the league in assists, but his poor defense and ball-dominant style clash with modern defensive priorities. The Hawks face limited trade leverage under a restrictive salary cap and Young's large next-year option.
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