Trae Young Finally Escapes Hurtful Hawks Allegations as Landry Fields Turns Atlanta’s Enemy

When Dejounte Murray came to the Atlanta Hawks in 2022, everyone was talking about how his partnership with Trae Young would be a game-changer. Young and Murray were tight, so it made sense that fans and analysts were hyped for them to turn things around. But, unfortunately, they didn’t quite hit those high expectations. In the 2023 season, Atlanta wrapped up with a 41-41 record and made the playoffs, but got bounced in the Eastern Conference’s first round. Fans were buzzing with hopes for a bounce-back season, but things went south, and they finished 2024 with a rough 36-46 record.

At first, many blamed Trae Young because of rumors about locker room tension with Dejounte Murray. Some even thought he might be the reason Murray left. But it appears that wasn’t the main issue. The real problem has been the team’s inability to win consistently. Trae’s numbers tell a different story. Last season, he averaged over 25 points and 10 assists per game. In 2023, he averaged over 26 points and 10 assists. Clearly, Trae’s been bringing his A-game. So, if he’s not the problem, then who is?

NBA announcer Bob Rathbun talked about the Hawks’ struggles on SiriusXM NBA Radio. “I think it’s time we get better as a team, defensively, transition defense, etc. To compliment that offense,” Bob said. “It’s sort of the pieces around him [Trae Young], I think, more than anything else because he has done pretty good doing what he does.” From this, it’s clear that the pressure is on Hawks GM Landry Fields. He could start by making the right moves and putting the right pieces around Trae.

Analysts have said that the Hawks might want to think about moving Clint Capela, especially with his value probably about to drop, and they’ve already got two other centers waiting in the wings. Plus, they got trade pieces like Larry Nance Jr., Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Dyson Daniels—guys they could flip to bring in some fresh talent to shake up the squad’s chemistry and energy. But let’s be real, even with those moves, it’s unlikely they’ll land the kind of superstar they need to make a real title run. Right now, it feels like the Hawks are at a crossroads.

Should the Hawks “go all in” or trade Trae Young?

According to Bleacher Report, “In asking several [NBA] executives about the 2021 draft class, Jalen Johnson’s name came up as one they are watching closely, with his combination of size (6’9”) and skills.” Jalen Johnson, the Hawks’ power forward, is drawing attention across the league. If Atlanta decides to go all-in on getting more help for Trae Young, they may consider moving Johnson. He was one of the standout young players in the Eastern Conference last year. Young averaged over 15 points and 9 boards.

Then there’s Zaccharie Risacher. Despite being the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, not many seemed excited. Trae Young had this to say: “To be honest with you and no disrespect to the guy [Zaccharie Risacher] they got drafted, I mean, from the outlook looking in, some guys may surprise us, but a lot of us look at them as role players coming in. Anyway, nobody we did like that last three number one picks…you got Victor, you got Ant Edwards. You got some big-time names. None of these guys could be just role players.” Ouch.

So, the Hawks might want to trade these pieces for a star like Karl-Anthony Towns or Jeremy Grant. But there’s another angle to consider: Trae Young’s contract situation. With him up for an extension next year, the Hawks are in a tricky spot. Do they hand him a max deal, potentially making him a risky asset if things go sideways? The new CBA makes overpaying guys a real problem for your team’s finances. Trading Trae might not be off the table if they’re worried about long-term consequences. What’s your take on this?