Reset in Atlanta: What Moving On From Trae Young Means for the Hawks

  • By Tim Ogles

    Last Updated on January 6, 2026 11:09 am by Tim Ogles | Published: January 6, 2026

    The Atlanta Hawks find themselves in uncharted territory. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Trae Young and his agents are actively working with the franchise to explore trade options after the two sides were unable to reach common ground on a contract extension.)

    Young transformed the Hawks since he arrived on draft night in 2018. Drafted fifth overall in a trade with Dallas, he quickly became the heartbeat of the franchise, emerging as one of the NBA’s most prolific offensive talents. Over eight seasons in Atlanta, he established himself as a four-time NBA All-Star and earned All-NBA honors, including a third-team selection in 2021-22. He has also led the league in total assists and assists per game, ranking among the all-time assist leaders in per-game production. The star guard became one of the franchise’s most potent scorers and playmakers.

    The pinnacle of Young’s Hawks career came during the 2021 Eastern Conference playoffs, when he led Atlanta to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in more than a decade. Young’s scoring and creativity powered the Hawks past the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers and into a matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks. In Game 1 of that series, he poured in 48 points and delivered a performance for the ages.

    However, late in Game 3, Young suffered an ankle injury after stepping awkwardly on a referee’s foot, an injury widely believed to have altered the course of that series Had Young remained healthy, he and many believe the Hawks could have sustained their momentum and contended for an NBA championship that year.

    Beyond the 2021 run, Young set franchise records in assists with 4837 and 3-pointers made with 1295 , and his perimeter shooting and court vision defined Atlanta’s offense for years. His presence elevated the franchise to relevance in the Eastern Conference and brought national attention to a team without an identity before his arrival.

    The reported trade discussions mark a stark turning point. Atlanta appears prepared to consider a future without the star guard. Moving on from Young signals a clear pivot toward roster flexibility, acquiring draft assets and young talent in return, and constructing a new foundational core. Atlanta could prioritize defense, versatility, and long-term salary cap flexibility, reshaping the roster around emerging pieces. This direction signals the end of a high-usage, high-volume style that defined the Young era.

    Jalen Johnson emerged as a rising star, showcasing two-way versatility, improved scoring, and the ability to impact games without dominating the ball. Nickeil Alexander-Walker found success in an expanded role, providing defensive intensity, perimeter shooting, and lineup flexibility. Dyson Daniels, the 2024-25 Defensive Player of the Year runner-up, represents the type of elite perimeter defender Atlanta lacked and offers a clear identity-building piece moving forward. These players represent a shift toward a younger, defense-first core capable of growing together.

    Young’s Atlanta legacy is rich with moments that defined a generation of Hawks basketball, and his tenure brought some of the most thrilling and memorable successes in franchise history. Whether this chapter ends in a trade or an unexpected agreement, it undeniably represents a major shift in direction for Atlanta, ushering in a new era. Its success will be measured by how well the team builds beyond its longtime star.

    January 6, 2026, 11:07 am