A pressing question for the NBA fans. Well, two pressing questions instead of one. Should Trae Young leave the Atlanta Hawks? Or should the Hawks make a first move and trade Young?

Both parties have been quite the talk recently, all thanks to their wonderful performance in the league. Atlanta’s 7-11 record in the 2024/25 NBA season has put them on the 11th spot in the East. Meanwhile, the 26-year-old point guard’s unpredictable availability, performance woes, and injuries have become a major concern for the front office. Moreover, the Lakers are said to have their eyes on Trae Young and Cody Zeller for D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura.

Meanwhile, the Hawks have shifted their gameplay away from Trae Young as new talents like Zaccharie Risacher are proving more effective on the court. So, despite not having control over their picks until 2028, the team has not dropped the idea of trading their veteran and going in a different direction with their players. So, what should Trae Young do when he needs to play more meaningful basketball?

Ex-NBA star gives valuable, blunt advice to Trae Young

Offguard with Austin Rivers is a podcast that gives you unfiltered opinions on pressing matters related to the sport. And Trae Young’s situation is a matter of concern as the trade market scenes could turn upside down for a while. The former NBA player Austin Rivers gave honest thoughts on Young and what he should be doing. “Trae Young needs to get out of there. It’s about time,” he commented. Since 2018, the 3x NBA All-Star has devoted himself to the Atlanta Hawks. However, things haven’t been as fruitful as one could’ve hoped for. Rivers further pointed out: “You’ve been an all-star there just about every year you’ve played. It’s time to move on.”

But Austin Rivers wants to nail his advice into Trae Young’s mind if he truly wants the Lakers bid. So, the former TWolves player bluntly said: “I haven’t seen Trae Young play a meaningful game in a goddamn long time. Every time I turn on the Hawks, it’s a game that no one gives a f**k about. Who wins? You’re not going anywhere. Get out of there. Get out.” Trae can go and play for Los Angeles, and his fans would be happy to see a change. He’s done his stuff for the Hawks, and now it’s time to move on.

“He needs to go compete while he can. It would be a mutual understanding… Everything’s positive. There’s no negativity there. He doesn’t come out like, “F**k Atlanta. I want out of here.” He’s never done that. They’ve had his name in trade rumors for years, and he’s handled it every year. Just like, “Hey, man, I can only control what I control.” He’s done it the right way. It’s about time he gets out of there.”

Simply put, Austin Rivers desperately wants Trae Young to move out of the Atlanta Hawks (while he can). The stay now seems a bit dragged because, over the years, not just his performance but the team’s efficiency has been on a decline. Therefore, the 26YO guard should consider going out and chasing the spot the Lakers are willing to give him. Moreover, Young is averaging 21.9 points per game this season, which is pretty good for someone who is injury-prone.

But a new twist in the story suggests that the LA Lakers might have new competition in the trade market who want Trae Young as much as they want him.

Rob Pelinka might face a latest rival in the trade market for Young’s bid

The transfer talks between Trae Young and the Lakers should begin as soon as possible because other teams are also eyeing the All-Star. Austin Rivers strongly believes the Hawks will most definitely trade Trae. “They’re saying the Lakers, some other teams are targeted teams. I don’t know what’s going to be there,” Rivers added.

The Orlando Magic are showing interest in Atlanta’s star boy. But whom will they trade for the deal? 23-year-old point guard Jalen Suggs and 31YO Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are the possible names. “The Magic are a team that could use a point guard drastically. I think you put Suggs, the two, to get KCP out of there. That’s my opinion,” Austin Rivers guessed.

Surely, the air around Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks continues to saturate as the veteran’s performance remains unpredictable. A trade might happen, and rumors have enveloped the NBA scenes. But who will get the deal? The Los Angeles Lakers or the Orlando Magic?