SLAM 241 cover co-star Trae Young could reportedly request a trade out of Atlanta, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.
B/R Sources: Rival executives are of belief Hawks guard Trae Young could be next star player to request trade if team doesn’t make inroads come playoff time. More news and nuggets for @BleacherReport: https://t.co/7u9PY3fpjJ
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) December 22, 2022
Young is under contract until 2026-27 and can opt out after the 2025-26 season if the Hawks don’t meet playoff expectations. The two-time All-Star and the Hawks have been trying to find the rhythm and consistency that helped them make a run to the Eastern Conference Finals two years ago. The ninth-place Hawks (16-16) are a playoff contender despite the offseason trade acquisition of SLAM 241 cover co-star Dejounte Murray.
What you really know about the Dirty South?
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 13, 2022
Dejounte Murray and Trae Young cover SLAM 241. https://t.co/JA8oG1KC8Z pic.twitter.com/2X95SX5UNj
Atlanta is under new leadership in the front office after they hired Landry Fields as their general manager. Young and Fields reportedly meet often and have developed a close bond. Fields has the green light to improve the team however he sees best but executing those ambitions has been difficult so far. Atlanta has made it clear they’re willing to part ways with John Collins, but a partner hasn’t been found yet.
Young is averaging 27.6 points and 9.8 assists per game on 41.1 percent shooting from the field and 30.7 percent from beyond the arc. Atlanta will play the Detroit Pistons on Thursday.
