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[Saba Sports News] Trae Young could be heading to a team in just as puzzling a situation as the one he’s currently in.
According to Grant Afseth of RG, the Atlanta Hawks have recently held trade discussions with the Sacramento Kings regarding the four-time All-Star guard. Afseth also notes that multiple teams around the league are closely watching how Young’s contract situation with the Hawks unfolds.
Young, still just 26, is set to make $46 million next season and holds a $49 million player option for 2026-27. He’s eligible this summer for a four-year, $229 million max extension—but it’s unclear if Atlanta is willing to commit that kind of money.
The Kings, who dealt De’Aaron Fox at the trade deadline in February, are now in the market for a lead guard. They’ve done business with Atlanta before, most notably in the 2022 Kevin Huerter trade. However, Sacramento is in an awkward spot after finishing 40-42 and losing in the play-in tournament.
With win-now players like Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan already in place, acquiring Young would likely require parting with at least one of those key pieces to make the salaries work—and there’s debate as to whether Young would significantly raise the team’s ceiling.
Atlanta, meanwhile, finished with an identical 40-42 record and was also bounced in the play-in. It marked the third straight non-winning season with Young as the face of the franchise.
Instead of locking him in for another long-term deal, the Hawks appear increasingly inclined to explore trade scenarios, a possibility that’s been rumored for months.