“I am trying to focus on winning, whatever it takes to help our team” – Trae Young commits to team-first mindset in building the new-look Hawks originally appeared on Basketball Network.
Trae Young has been in the NBA long enough to know that he needs to do more to help the Atlanta Hawks get over the hump. Now considered a “veteran,” the fifth overall pick of the 2018 Draft keeps his fingers crossed that his recruitment efforts will reap dividends.
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Young admits his mindset has changed compared to his first few years in the league and stresses that his focus moving forward is to help shape the Hawks roster with hopes of delivering a much-awaited championship to the city.
“I’m trying to focus on winning. I’m trying to get back to where I’ve been before and even further. It’s whatever it takes. Whatever it takes to help our team be more successful,” Young stated on the “From the Point” podcast.
Trae is committed to being a Hawk
Trae confessed that his new outlook is far different from his first few years as a pro. Being a newcomer at the time, he admitted that he was more concerned about putting up stats and making a name for himself.
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“When you come in as a rookie, you’re not really doing that trying to recruit guys for your team. Even in your first few years, when you’re trying to make a name for yourself and try to find where your place is in the league. You’re not really worried about those things,” he explained.
Given his talent, critics suggest it would be to Trae’s benefit if he took his talent elsewhere. He hasn’t escaped trade rumors, but Young has made one thing clear — he wants to stay in Atlanta and achieve something no other superstar has done yet, since the lone title of the franchise came in 1958 when they were located in St. Louis.
“They’d never won a championship in Atlanta. Me getting drafted there felt like a match made in heaven. Like this is something that I want to do. I can defeat the odds here, too,” Young quipped.
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Hawks prepping for new flight
Aligned with Young’s championship vision, the Hawks have had a busy offseason. Among the new faces in the mix are Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard.
Trae shared that he spoke with Alexander-Walker and Kennard, longtime friends, and pushed hard to get them on the team, thrilled when both agreed to join.
“Obviously, they both had options, but I wanted them on my team, and I know they would make our team better. So we were able to talk and make it happen. I’m happy that they’re on my team—we made it work,” Young said.
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The Hawks acquired Alexander-Walker from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a sign-and-trade deal last July 6. His defensive intensity, shooting and competitive spirit will surely give the team a much-needed lift.
As for Kennard, the former Duke Blue Devil agreed to a one-year $11 million deal earlier this month. His addition gives the Hawks another outside sniper who can hit it from beyond the arc.
It remains to be seen if the addition of Alexander-Walker and Kennard can provide the boost the Hawks need to advance deeper into the postseason. After failing to move to the playoffs the past two seasons, Young is likely hoping for the best.
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This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.