The Trae Young Era in Atlanta: A Disappointing End to a Promising Tenure
The Trae Young era in Atlanta appears to be over, and not in a way that will leave anyone happy. 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. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the two sides “have begun positive and collaborative talks over the past week on finding a resolution.”
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. The Hawks’ performance without Young has been a significant factor in the decision to part ways with the point guard.
A Changing NBA Landscape
The NBA has undergone significant changes in recent years, with a greater emphasis on size, athleticism, and defense. The days of solo-ball dominance, exemplified by players like James Harden and Damian Lillard, are behind us. As noted by NBA.com/Stats, the league has seen a shift towards more balanced team play, with a greater emphasis on defense and rebounding. In this new landscape, Young’s style of play, which relies heavily on his individual scoring and playmaking abilities, is no longer as effective.
Young’s defensive liabilities have been a major concern for the Hawks, and his inability to adapt to the changing NBA landscape has made him a less desirable asset. Despite being a four-time All-Star and leading the league in assists last year, Young’s limitations have outweighed his strengths. As Basketball-Reference notes, Young’s defensive rating has been a significant issue throughout his career, with a career defensive rating of 114.4.
Potential Trade Destinations
So, who would actually want Young? The Washington Wizards reportedly are interested, which makes some sense. Alex Sarr profiles as the ideal sort of center to pair with Young, and the Wizards generally need someone who can dribble and organize the offense. However, as ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski notes, the Wizards may be more interested in dumping C.J. McCollum’s contract and acquiring draft capital than in Young himself.
The Milwaukee Bucks’ desperation to acquire talent—in their probably doomed attempt to placate Giannis Antetokounmpo—could lead them to swing for Young, especially if his price is so low. However, as NBA.com notes, the Bucks’ roster is already crowded, and it’s unclear how Young would fit into their system. The Portland Trail Blazers need guys who can dribble, but that’s mostly because everyone on the roster is hurt.
A New Era for the Hawks
The Hawks without Young are huge and athletic. Jalen Johnson has emerged as a hypermodern offensive engine, as he is, well, huge and athletic, and keeps the ball moving. Around him, the Hawks have great size and flexibility, and what they have lacked in Young’s wizardry they have mostly made up for with cussed determination and distributed responsibility. As NBA.com notes, the Hawks have a promising young core, including Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, and Dyson Daniels.
The Hawks are squarely better without Trae Young, in both the short and long term. With a newfound emphasis on defense and teamwork, the Hawks are poised to make a push for the playoffs in the coming years. As ESPN’s Shams Charania notes, the Hawks are likely to receive a significant return for Young, potentially including draft picks and young players.
