NBA Market: Trae Young and his real options to leave the Hawks

Atlanta Hawks and Trae Young are once again at the center of the NBA market as the February 5 trade deadline approaches. The latest news in the United States suggests that the point guard could be one of the big names available, although his market value raises more doubts than excitement among league executives.

Trae Young, a four-time All-Star, has not played since October 29. Despite his absence, the Hawks have had one of their best starts in recent years, boasting a record of 14-11, a fact that has fueled internal and external debate about the direction of the franchise.

According to an ESPN report, Young is mentioned alongside LaMelo Ball and Ja Morant as three franchise point guards who are going through a kind of limbo with their respective teams. Various rival executives believe that all three could be available before the market closes, although they agree that their max contracts and certain sporting limitations reduce real interest.

An executive from the Western Conference even stated that he wouldn't bet on any of them, an opinion that was echoed frequently in an informal survey among executives, scouts, and coaches. There is also no consensus on which of the three would generate the highest return in a trade, and it is even suggested from the Eastern Conference that they might have negative value at this moment.

Atlanta's solid defensive performance without Young has been highlighted in the same report. Anonymous sources consulted by ESPN emphasize that with the point guard on the court, the Hawks would be at the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency, whereas without him, they have reached a top-five level.

Morant and Ball, the other two point guards that nobody wants

An Eastern Conference scout pointed out Young's defensive difficulties but at the same time valued him above Morant and Ball for his offensive capabilities and for not dragging off-court issues. Also mentioned is the longstanding perception that he is not always well-regarded within the locker room, despite his positive impact on creating dunks and open shots due to his playmaking ability.

Alongside these criticisms, Trae Young's history reminds us that he has already led Atlanta on a deep playoff run when surrounded by a competitive environment. The current Hawks roster provides reasons to consider that the franchise may choose to maintain its commitment and evaluate his fit when he returns to the rotation.

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