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It has not been going well for the Atlanta Hawks of late. Previously at 15-12 and hanging with the top six teams in the East, this team has now seen six losses in a row.
The game against the Knicks is one it seemed they had in hand late. Turnovers cost them dearly at the end.
The unfortunate timing of the losing skid, is that this coincides with the return of Trae Young from a month-long absence. Zero wins have come for Atlanta since Young returned,
As things continue to go south for the team, questions will be asked about the future. Both of Young, of Quin Snyder, and perhaps some of the veterans on the team.
Should Atlanta consider trading their 4X All-Star guard and moving on?
Trae Young Struggling to Deliver
Throughout his NBA career, Trae Young has been a big shot maker. From all over the floor, and big moments, the veteran has been there to help the team whenever they have been in dire need. However, now, things have started to go the other way, with a long skid befalling the team.
It has been admittedly surprising to see a losing streak get started after the 4X All-Star guard came back, but that’s been the case here. Trae had scored 30+ points in two of his previous three games before putting up a tough line last night.
Young finished with nine points and 10 assists, turning the ball over six times, and shooting 2-9 from the floor.
Other players have had good moments for Atlanta, at the least.
Jalen Johnson and his incredible breakout have been the biggest story within the team this year, even more than Young from his injury. Nickeil Alexander-Walker turning into a sharpshooter after joining has been a huge positive too.
Kristaps Porzingis was supposed to come in and be a game-changer, but he has been away from the team, primarily. Similar to his time in Boston a season ago, an illness has kept him anywhere but on the floor.
Time to shake things up in ATL?
Time for Atlanta to Trade Trae Young?
Rumors have been swirling for a few years about Trae Young and his future in Atlanta. While it never seemed that a trade was imminent, it does appear now that those talks could have some merit.
With Young on the floor, Atlanta has had a historically bad defense this season. It has only been 10 games in which he’s played, but even still. Not all of that should be put on the point guard, but the better numbers when he’s off does suggest this isn’t a fluke.
With a player-option for next season, Young could decide where he wants to play, whether or not a trade does materialize. It would be up to Atlanta to get the proper trade package to acquire a star, or opt to bring in piece to re-tool around Jalen Johnson.
A 15-18 team that looks headed for a potential fourth straight play-in trip cannot rule anything out. There is plenty of talent in Atlanta, but they clearly have not been maximizing their full potential.
They haven’t won a playoff series since reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, and it feels like that has to change soon.
Atlanta doesn’t have to necessarily move their franchise star. But, it’s worth noting that since the losing has started since his return, listening to offers may be worth it.
Zach Weiss Zach Weiss is a sports reporter covering the NBA for Heavy. He also hosts a podcast about the Cleveland Cavaliers, “Across the Cavs,” and serves as a sports broadcaster for various institutions in the Greater NYC Area. He wrote for Knup Sports for six years. More about Zach Weiss
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