Why trading Trae Young would be a mistake for Hawks

It's becoming a ritual that every summer, Trae Young's name is floated in trade rumors. The four-time All-Star is often viewed as a luxury player, capable of elevating a team on the cusp of contending, but not good enough to anchor a rebuilding project.

The biggest knock on Young is his limited defense. He doesn't possess the size or strength to be an elite defender. Furthermore, his focus on initiating the offense and controlling the tempo often causes his defensive duties to take a back seat. 

The Atlanta Hawks appeared to solve that issue last season, pairing him with Dyson Daniels. The defensive-minded guard helps plug many of the holes that Young can create. Furthermore, unlike his predecessor Dejounte Murray, Daniels doesn't need the ball in his hands to be at his best. The fit between the two is highly encouraging.

Perhaps that's why sports journalist Zach Lowe doesn't believe the Hawks should look to move on from Young anytime soon.

"I kind of want the Hawks to keep Trae Young long term," Lowe said via his "The Zach Lowe Show" podcast. "I don't think there's a great market for him. So I don't think there's a trade out there that completely just reorients the franchise in a positive way...If I can extend him at a decent number, I just kind of like their team, and I do think he'll change his style of play a little bit." 

If Atlanta can add some more versatility to its forward rotation, there's hope that Young can begin embracing some additional off-ball reps. His perimeter shooting is dangerous enough to stretch defenses and force players into tough decisions. 

Last season, Young took just 1.6 catch-and-shoot attempts per game —tragically low for a shooter of his caliber. The biggest reason is the lack of a ball-handling wing who can absorb some of the creative load. Ideally, you want Young to take a page out of Stephen Curry's book, who took an average of 5.3 catch-and-shoot attempts this season.

The Hawks are still rebuilding the current rotation. Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher will continue to improve. In time, Young will likely have more room to work off-ball and become the floor-spacing menace his skill set promises. 

Atlanta has resisted the temptation to trade Young for years. Now that the current rotation is starting to take shape, the front office must stick to its guns. It has chosen to build around the Oklahoma product. 

Fortunately, there's no doubt that Young is capable of leading a team toward success, as long as the correct supporting cast is in place.