Jan 5, 2026
Trae Young Trade Talks Ignite With Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young could be leaving Atlanta. Per Shams Charania, Young and his agents are working with the Hawks to find a trade, and the two sides "have maintained positive dialogue on his future ever since the franchise elected not to offer a contract extension last summer ahead of his 2026 player option," but will now try to go their separate ways. Atlanta is moving from extension talk to shopping its star. Merlin sees a roster reset unfolding. Trading Young would alter the Hawks' timeline, free flexibility, and likely bring picks or young pieces in return. Trae's value will come down to fit; teams that can space the floor and let him run the offense will pay most. Expect talks to pick up quickly and the market to set the price this summer.
🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction
Odds Trae Young is traded before the 2026 season: 70%.
