NBA Rumors: The reason it's difficult for the Atlanta Hawks to trade Trae Young

The Atlanta Hawks dominated the Minnesota Timberwolves this past Wednesday with a convincing 126-102 victory. A clear and convincing win with an undeniable detail: Trae Young was not in the lineup. Once again, Atlanta managed to win without their star point guard.

Young's absence is not a minor detail. The point guard returned last week after missing 22 games, coinciding with a stretch of seven consecutive losses. Now, without him on the court, the Hawks broke that negative trend and displayed a much stronger performance. The conclusion is starting to become evident: Atlanta operates better without Trae Young.

This perception extends beyond the game. As revealed by Ryan Russillo citing an anonymous NBA executive, the issue goes far beyond the court. According to the source, Young's own teammates "hate" playing with him. The executive quoted by Russillo explained, "It's hard to think of a team trying to win this season that Trae could help, especially considering what that team would have to give up to match salaries. He doesn't defend. He doesn't rebound. Players don't enjoy playing with him."

These reports paint a very difficult picture for the Hawks in the market. The interest in Trae Young is currently almost nonexistent. His statistical impact also doesn't help change the narrative. In the ten games he has played this season, Young averages 19.3 points per game, his lowest figure in eight years, along with 1.5 rebounds per night. Atlanta has only won two of those ten games.

Undeniable talent, disputed impact

Trae Young's resume remains impressive: a four-time All-Star and the NBA leader in assists last season with 11.6 per game. However, doubts about his ability to generate victories are increasing. Russillo stated, "It has never been winning basketball with him." He went further to caution about any potential trade: "You're bringing in someone who doesn't believe they've done anything wrong and immediately comes in thinking to go out and get their 30 points."

The Hawks currently stand at 16-19, tenth in the Eastern Conference, holding onto a Play-In spot by a thread. In this context, rumors quickly emerge. One suggests that the Dallas Mavericks have no interest in accepting Trae Young in a possible trade for Anthony Davis, despite Atlanta being one of the serious contenders for the center. This rejection has led to a proposed five-team megadeal that would send Young elsewhere while Davis ends up in Georgia.

The debate is no longer about whether Atlanta can win without Trae Young. It's about whether they can—or want to—continue to do so with him.