Trae Young addresses trade speculation during All-Star weekend
Trae Young's future with the Atlanta Hawks looks uncertain. Recent reports have noted the All-Star guard could be traded in the summer.
The front office flirted with moving on from Dejounte Murray ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline. Now, it would appear they could retain Murray rather than rebuild around Young.
When speaking to the media at his All-Star weekend news conference, Young addressed the rumors surrounding his future with the Hawks.
"It's part of it," Young said. "The best players in the game have all been traded. Some of the few lucky ones have been blessed to be drafted in situations where they can win championships, and it all be perfect for them and stay in that one situation forever. That's what I wanted to do. That's what I want to do with Atlanta. But who knows? This is the type of league where things change and happen. My mindset is staying in Atlanta right now. I don't get caught up in all the rumors and stuff."
Young, 25, is in his sixth season with the Hawks. Thus far, the front office has been unable to build a contending team around the offensive-minded guard. His defensive deficiencies have likely played a significant role.
Still, there's no denying the impact Young can make on offense. This season, he's averaging 26.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 10.9 assists. He's shooting 42.7 percent from the field and 37.1 percent from three-point range. However, if the Hawks want to be successful with Young as one of their star players, they need to alter their approach.
Quin Snyder will need some two-way wings capable of switching onto multiple positions defensively. They will also need a dominant big man who can protect the rim and mop up any mistakes Young makes when guarding the perimeter. Clint Capela was the ideal big for that scenario, however, he is entering the final phase of his career.
Given the total overhaul the Hawks would need to undertake, the Hawks may choose to stick with Murray. He's defensively gifted, can run an offense, and is capable of being a primary scoring option. Furthermore, the franchise would receive a significant trade package to part with their star player.
Young will have until the offseason to prove he's still the franchise cornerstone Atlanta believes him to be. If the Hawks crash out of the playoffs in the early stages, that could be the final straw. At which point, Hawks fans may need to be prepared for a drawn-out trade saga during the offseason.
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