Overview
- Trae Young is rehabbing a right MCL sprain and has played only five games this season; he was shown serving Thanksgiving meals for more than 300 people in Atlanta in a team video.
- Atlanta is 11-8 after a recent loss to the Wizards and 9-3 without Young, showing defensive improvement but occasional late-game offensive stagnation.
- Stan Van Gundy said on The Zach Lowe Show that the Hawks look better without Young, a sentiment one Western Conference executive described as a situation to watch.
- Trade speculation has expanded to media proposals, including a Bleacher Report idea sending Young to the Suns for Jalen Green, Nick Richards, Rasheer Fleming, a 2027 first-round pick and a 2029 second-round pick.
- Young is in the final guaranteed year of his contract and is expected to seek a max deal, with league observers expecting Atlanta to at least take calls on his availability when he nears a return.