Trae Young, the Atlanta Hawks’ All-Star point guard, has carried the team for six straight years. However, after repeated front-office mistakes, zero playoff success since 2021, and no extension offer in sight, it’s time to face reality:
Trae Young needs to force his way to Oklahoma City.
The Hawks Have Failed Their Franchise Player
Since drafting Trae Young in 2018, the Hawks have spun their wheels. They made one magical Eastern Conference Finals run — then immediately fell apart.
They traded away Kevin Huerter, John Collins, and, most recently, Dejounte Murray, who’s now in New Orleans. The front office never found a real co-star or built a defense to hide Young’s weaknesses. At 27, Trae’s entering his prime. Atlanta’s had its chance. It’s time to move on.
A Homecoming Story Waiting to Happen
If there’s one place that could reignite Trae Young’s spark, it’s Oklahoma City.
Remember, Trae was born in Texas but grew up in Oklahoma. He became a high school phenom at Norman North, then turned into a national star at the University of Oklahoma.
The thought of returning home to play for a contender that’s young, hungry, and loaded with talent feels almost poetic.
Pair him with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and you’re looking at a backcourt that could instantly become the best in the NBA.
The Trade That Makes Too Much Sense
OKC Receives:
- Trae Young
Atlanta Receives:
- Alex Caruso
- Isaiah Joe
- Aaron Wiggins
- Multiple first-round picks
For Atlanta, it’s a hard reset — they gain valuable defenders, young shooters, and draft capital to rebuild around
“They’ll Lose Defense” — But Will They Really?
Critics will scream that Oklahoma City would be giving up too much defense in this trade. But when you look closer, that argument doesn’t hold up.
The Thunder would still have:
- Chet Holmgren is a rim-protecting force.
- Isaiah Hartenstein, a big man who brings size and grit.
- Jaylin Williams, an elite charge-taker and communicator.
- Luguentz Dort, a lockdown perimeter defender.
- Jalen Williams, a two-way star in the making.
So where exactly is the defensive drop-off?
OKC would still be balanced — only now, they’d also be unguardable on offense.