Atlanta Hawks’ $215 Million Star Among Players Predicted To Issue Trade Demand in 2024-25

The Hawks have struggled to find consistent success, achieving no more than 43 wins and no fewer than 36 over the past four seasons. This mediocrity puts them in a precarious position, caught between rebuilding and contention.

Despite landing the No. 1 overall pick in the recent draft, the team lacks control over their first-round picks for the next few years due to the trade that brought All-Star guard Dejounte Murray to Atlanta. This complicates their ability to fully rebuild, potentially making a trade involving Young a viable option.

NBA Analysis Predicts Atlanta Hawks Guard Trae Young To Issue Trade Demand in 2024-25 NBA Season

It’s no secret the Hawks haven’t succeeded with all the talent they have on the roster. According to Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes, this may lead Young to request the Hawks for a trade during the 2024-25 season.

Unfortunately for Atlanta, it doesn’t control its first-rounders in 2025, 2026 or 2027. Thanks to the trade that brought Dejounte Murray aboard (who now plays for the New Orleans Pelicans, by the way,) those belong to the San Antonio Spurs. Bottoming out won’t produce the typical draft-lottery reward for the Hawks.

That said, Atlanta could pivot anyway. In an ideal world, it’d move Young to the Spurs for some or all of its previously owned draft equity. A deal that sent Young elsewhere would still make sense. If you can’t get your own picks back, getting several of someone else’s is a solid consolation prize. 

Atlanta remains a middling operation caught between extremes. If things don’t go well to start the season, Young could sense what’s coming and get out ahead of it. Sort of a “you can’t fire me; I quit!” situation. 

Six full seasons, three of which included All-Star nods, is pretty long stint with an average team for someone with Young’s profile. And it’s not like rumors of the Hawks dealing him would be new.

If the Hawks fail to perform well early in the season, Young might proactively seek an exit. With six years in the league and three All-Star selections, it’s understandable for a player of his caliber to desire a more competitive environment. Analysts point out that if Atlanta struggles again or faces an early playoff exit, Young could consider teams like the Los Angeles Lakers or Miami Heat as potential landing spots.

While Young remains a central figure in the Hawks’ plans, the team has been working to surround him with players who complement his style. The front office’s efforts to support him reflect their recognition of his talent. However, if the situation does not improve, the possibility of a trade request from Young could become a reality, reshaping the landscape for both him and the Hawks.