Trae Young was one of the stars of the 2021 playoffs, but he hasn’t been able to reach that level since then, writes Jeff Schultz of The Athletic. Young and the Hawks have looked overmatched in the first two games of their series with the Celtics, getting blown out early both times. Young is shooting 35% from the field and 23% from three-point range so far, and Atlanta has been outscored by 32 points when he’s on the court.
It’s a big difference from two years ago, when Young led the Hawks past the Knicks and Sixers, then helped take the eventual champion Bucks to six games. A report earlier this month indicated that Atlanta’s new front office is willing to consider trading Young this summer, and an early playoff exit could push the team in that direction.
“The ball hasn’t gone in for him the way that it can and will,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said after the Game 2 loss. “He’s no different than anyone else on the team, as far as finding a rhythm. Trae will be the first one on the plane watching the tape and trying to figure out ways he can play better.”
There’s more from the Southeast Division:
- Wizards owner Ted Leonsis said the team will replace general manager and president Tommy Sheppard with “an executive from outside the organization,” per Josh Robbins of The Athletic. Robbins expects the team to check on the availability of Raptors vice chairman and president Masai Ujiri and Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly. Robbins points out that Connelly is originally from Baltimore and broke into the NBA as an intern with the Wizards in 1996.
- Tyler Byrum and Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington have released a new mock draft that has the Wizards landing Arkansas guard Anthony Black if they keep the No. 8 pick after the lottery. Byrum and Hughes note that Washington needs a long-term answer at point guard and Black would provide an upgrade on defense.
- Magic forward Franz Wagner talked to Khobi Price of The Orlando Sentinel about the progress he made during his second NBA season. Wagner took over more ball-handling responsibilities after early-season injuries in the team’s backcourt and now feels like a more complete player. “The way I play now, I wish I would’ve played a little earlier in the season,” he said. “Not necessarily meaning stats, but the way I play. Earlier on in the season, I might have forced a little bit more than was helpful for the team. But I think that’s part of it. I learned a lot.”
Trae isn’t exactly Walmart Steph Curry, but he is too streaky to take the shots he takes. And I’ve said that since college.
Do they actually entertain a trade? Would make the summer interesting to say the least.
Who bites?
Maybe OKC.
I doubt that. Alexander needs the ball.
Nobody wants Young at that price. Hawks are stuck with the albatross, similar to Collins.
These guys can be traded, but Hawks haven’t liked the offers for Collins, and I would expect the same from Young.
I would trade Young for the cap space alone since Murray has a much better contract, and plays better defense. But I think Atlanta can get more for him, but not much beyond matching salary. Of course it depends, but I don’t see a lot of picks getting traded for Young.
That’s nice that Atlanta is “willing to consider” moving on from someone they should have like a year ago. Trae’s value continues to plummet. Yikes.
Ice Trae is ice cold…
The Hawks really made a huge blunder pocking him…
He’s still gotten them a ton of wins over the last couple years. They’d be even more lost without him.
Over Doncic? No doubt….
While I agree here, it’s not like Doncic has done anything either. He has many of the same issues. Irving joined him and they went in reverse.
I’m right here
Take my Team President – PLEASE !!
Connelly has already done enough with his Big Move, Hail Mary, trade for Gobert to cement his position as yet another inept head basketball guy who has been put in charge of this cursed franchise. He has ensured that the Timberpuppies will continue to frustrate any remaining fans and will be among the worst NBA franchises for the next TEN YEARS.