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Hawks Open the Door to Trae Young Trade Talks as Interest Lags Ahead of Deadline

League reports tie the shift to Atlanta’s reassessment after declining an extension, with Young’s 2026-27 option quickening the timeline.

Overview

  • Multiple outlets report the Hawks are more willing than ever to discuss Trae Young trades, yet league sources describe his market as minimal heading into Feb. 5.
  • Atlanta’s performance split — 13-11 without Young and 2-8 with him — is cited in coverage, and one executive told Ryen Russillo that players “hate playing with him,” reflecting chemistry concerns being discussed around the league.
  • ESPN’s Tim MacMahon says Atlanta did not pursue an extension for Young, who holds a player option worth roughly $49 million for 2026-27, raising the risk he reaches free agency.
  • Atlanta is frequently linked to an Anthony Davis pursuit, but reporting indicates Dallas would not take Young back, pushing any talks toward packages built around young assets and expiring salaries.
  • Conflicting reports persist over whether the Hawks would include Zaccharie Risacher in a Davis offer, with some noting willingness in the right scenario and others citing team pushback on moving the former No. 1 pick.