The Atlanta Hawks entered the 2025â26 season with championship-level expectations. On paper, this roster should be one of the most balanced groups in the Eastern Conference. But the same question persists â can Trae Young win as a No. 1 option? With Young sidelined by injury and his long-term future in question, the Hawks may be approaching a franchise-altering decision.
Why Atlanta Might Finally Be Ready to Move On
According to The Athletic, a contract extension between Young and the Hawks was ânot in the cardsâ before the season tipped off. The 27-year-old guard is earning $45.9 million this season and holds a $48.9 million player option for 2026â27 â an option he could decline to become an unrestricted free agent. Though heâs eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension, both sides appear hesitant to commit.
Before suffering an MCL sprain that will sideline him for roughly a month, Young was averaging 17.8 points, 7.8 assists, and 2.0 rebounds per game while shooting just 38% from the field and 22% from three â a shaky start for last seasonâs assist champion. Yet Atlanta hasnât fallen apart in his absence.
The Hawks are 2â1 without Young, including an impressive win over the Orlando Magic where six players scored in double figures. Second-year forward Zaccharie Risacher led the way with 21 points, Jalen Johnson added 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists, and the backcourt duo of Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels combined for 38 points. That kind of ball movement and balance is exactly what the Hawks have long struggled to find with Young monopolizing touches.
With Johnson blossoming into a point-forward, Daniels proving capable as a lead guard, and solid depth pieces like Onyeka Okongwu and Luke Kennard filling key roles, Atlanta might finally have the personnel to thrive without its franchise centerpiece.
Why Toronto Should Make the Call
The Toronto Raptors, meanwhile, have plenty of talent but no offensive identity. Their frontcourt â built around Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Jakob Poeltl â has size and versatility. But their backcourt lacks a true alpha scorer or facilitator. Immanuel Quickley is a valuable combo guard, but heâs more of a secondary creator than a floor general, and thatâs limited Torontoâs offensive ceiling.
Thatâs why TWSN writer Daniel Alamedaâs trade proposal has gained traction:
Atlanta Hawks receive: Immanuel Quickley, Ochai Agbaji, Collin Murray-Boyles, 2026 first-round pick (TOR)
Toronto Raptors receive: Trae Young
For Toronto, acquiring Young would instantly stabilize the offense and elevate Barnes into a complementary role rather than forcing him to carry the scoring load. Youngâs elite pick-and-roll playmaking would also unlock easier looks for Barrett and Poeltl while giving Toronto its first true star guard since Kyle Lowry.
For Atlanta, the return provides balance and long-term flexibility. Quickleyâs off-ball scoring fits seamlessly next to Dyson Daniels, Agbaji brings defensive toughness and shooting on the wing, and an additional first-round pick offers flexibility if the Hawks pivot toward a deeper retool.
The Verdict
The Hawksâ early success without Young has complicated his future in Atlanta, while the Raptorsâ stagnant offense continues to beg for a dynamic creator. Both teams are at a crossroads â one discovering it might not need its star, the other desperate for one.
If the Hawks decide to cash in on their All-Star guard and the Raptors are finally ready to gamble big, this trade might be the rare deal that makes sense for both sides.
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