Earlier, it was reported that Young and McMillan appeared to have a falling out amid what has been a rather up-and-down season for the Hawks.
All isn't well in the Atlanta Hawks camp and Trae Young finds himself in the middle of the brewing storm.
Earlier, it was reported that Young and coach Nate McMillan appeared to have a falling out amid what has been a rather up-and-down season for the Hawks, and a recent update adds some unnamed players in the mix.
Per Heavy's Steve Bulpett, it's been a tumultuous time in the Atlanta camp, and according to his sources, the tension between the coach and the player is quite salty.
“When they win, everybody’s happy for a minute,” said one. “But when they lose, it gets messy. Instead of trying to get it figured out, there’s a lot of blame being thrown around.” Said another, “I just know there’s a big problem between the two. His father’s involved. Trae’s trying to get Nate canned.”
One opposing coach summed it thusly: “He doesn’t like the coach, the coach doesn’t like him, and other players have issues with Trae also.”
The analyst added their relationship went downhill after the guard chose not to attend the home game against the Denver Nuggets earlier this month.
NBA Executive Says Situation In Atlanta Is "Toxic" And Is Getting Worse
Bulpett's report had comments from league executives, and the picture isn't pretty. This comes in the wake of some changes that were rung in the front office with team president Travis Schlenk being moved to a senior advisory role. He will be replaced by GM Landry Fields.
According to ESPN, Schlenk said he stepped down to focus on family, while the 34-year-old Fields will move to the role after being promoted to GM earlier this year.
"Throughout this season, [Hawks owner Tony Ressler] and I have had multiple, honest conversations about some of the personal things I've been going through and how I've been feeling, and I appreciate the counsel he has provided me as well as the opportunity he gave me six seasons ago to be a first-time general manager," he said in the statement announcing the news. "As we enter a new year, the timing feels right for me to take a step back, reflect and prioritize my family."
"I am proud of the group I assembled both on the floor and in the front office. We have built a strong foundation for the Hawks franchise and achieved a high level of success. As an advisor, I look forward to working with Tony and Landry and continuing to make contributions in less visible but still impactful ways."
On the season front, the Hawks are placed eighth in the East with a 16-16 record after their 110-108 loss to the Chicago Bulls. Young had a solid outing with 34 points, 6 rebounds, and as many assists, but it wasn't enough to see his side through.
Reports of a John Collins trade for an upgrade continues to do the rounds, but there's enough drama that needs to be sorted out first. With enough basketball to be played, it remains to be seen how Young, McMillan, and the players can solve the turbulent situation in the locker room.
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