Trae Young addressed a report that the Hawks might listen to offers for him in the offseason, saying he had more urgent matters to attend to — namely, Tuesday’s play-in game against Miami, Joe Vardon of The Athletic reports.
“Especially as the player in the moment, you can’t look at what’s gonna come on next year,” the Hawks’ star guard said. “After the game, if the game doesn’t go your way tonight, what’s gonna happen? Like, you can’t focus on things like that. That messes up your head and then you’re not ready to play so, me, I’m not worried about that. I’m gonna let my game play. After the season, whatever happens, happens.”
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic (video link), Young has developed a “solid” relationship with coach Quin Snyder but the Hawks “are continuing to monitor (his) day-to-day commitment and his habits on a day-to-day basis, on the floor and off the floor.” Atlanta’s front office wants to see if Young will become a better leader and Charania expects Young’s agent, Rich Paul, to have conversations with management this offseason about his future.
We have more from the Southeast Division:
- Heat guard Kyle Lowry, who will be entering the final season of his three-year contract in 2023/24, isn’t sure if he’ll require left knee surgery this offseason, according to Anthony Chiang and Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. “I don’t know,” Lowry said. “We’ll get to that point when it’s there.” He has been limited to 55 games this season due primarily to left knee pain.
- Heat rookie Nikola Jovic missed 37 games this season due to back issues and he told Chiang that he’s been battling back pain since last summer. “It’s something that started during the summer league,” Jovic said. “That’s when I first felt it. Then just through the season, it was hurting more and more. At one point, I just couldn’t play anymore. The back injury was bothering me even off the court. So I just couldn’t deal with it anymore.”
- LaMelo Ball, who missed 46 games this season due to ankle ailments, said he’s happy with the Hornets, according to Steve Reed of The Associated Press. “I love it here,” he said. “I can’t really tell the future. We’ll just see how it goes and go from there.” However, he doesn’t want to be on a lottery-bound team much longer. “The main thing is winning. Life if better when you win,” he said. Ball is eligible for an extension this offseason.
Will Ball take a Curry type first extension? Would the Hornets be desperate/stupid enough to max him out?
Hard to imagine how a Trae Young trade gets made?
He’s so poor defensively but obviously has amazing shooting and scoring ability. He’s got some leadership qualities but he’s also had reported issues with teammates and coaches. He’s a great playmaker and I think there still potential for him to become an even better player.
But there is also early signs of some red flags that you don’t really want in your franchise point guard.
Usually if your making a player available or actively seeking to make the trade then your not going to get full value in return. Even determining full value is hard in itself.
Trae strikes me as a really good 2 on a playoff/championship calibre side. On a fringe playoff side such as the hawks he’s a 1 that’ll put up great numbers.
I think Boston could have interest if they fall short in the playoffs. They okay amazing defence so they could cover Trae in that area, while he would be an excellent 2 to Tatum as their 1.
Atlanta I think would also love to get Jaylen Brown in that deal too.
I wonder if Miami could put together a good enough offer starting with Tyler Herro and whatever picks they have to offer.
Trae Jimmy and Bam that’s a very solid team and they lack that elite scoring option and secondary ball handler cause Jimmy is often asked to do to much. Atlanta could see value in Hereo coming over and being the starting 2 next to Murray and then getting back a bunch of picks and what not.
Washington for Beal and picks would be interesting if that’s an option. Trae Kuz KP fresh start for them and going younger. Atl with Beal next to Murray plus picks for taking on Beals contract.
Almost impossible for salary matching I feel but Houston? Trae Jalen Green and Jabari. Make KPJ Sengun and the possibly the pick available if not first overall.
Idk it’s hard to see anything that makes a good deal for both side involved. I think ATL is hoping someone goes crazy and offers way to much but a lot of teams are happy at point guard, aren’t in the position to offer away 40 off mill in contracts and still be good or simply aren’t in a rush to give up bigs for Trae.
I think on paper right now Boston makes the most sense, Miami is a nice idea but nothing that would make me put money on it
Nice win by Hawks. Didn’t think they had it in them.