The Hawks’ star trade stance went from background noise to major storyline today. ESPN’s Marc J. Spears reported that Atlanta’s All-Star point guard Trae Young is “open-minded” to being traded from the Hawks. It is not a formal trade request, but it is the clearest sign yet that both player and team are willing to consider a split.
Hawks Star Trade Stance: Trae Young “Open-Minded” To A Move
Spears explained that Young is not telling the front office, “do not trade me.” Instead, he is willing to listen if Atlanta decides its future lies elsewhere. That nuance matters for the Hawks’ star trade stance. It keeps the relationship from turning toxic while admitting that the current setup may not last.
Recent reporting has already hinted at tension beneath the surface. The Hawks have gathered intel on Young’s market since at least last offseason. Combined with today’s comments, Young’s trade buzz now feels less like speculation and more like a live option.
What Marc J. Spears’ Report Really Means
The first takeaway is that Atlanta still holds most of the leverage. Young does not have a no-trade clause and has not gone public with any demands. The Hawks can stay patient, listening to offers without dumping him under pressure. At the same time, everyone around the league now knows the door is cracked open, which invites more calls and creative packages and only adds to the Trae Young trade buzz.
For Young, this “open-minded” stance protects his image while keeping options open. Spears noted that he has watched other superstar exits get messy and does not want that level of drama. By avoiding a formal request, he signals professionalism and leaves room for either outcome: stay in Atlanta if the team turns things around, or move on if the franchise chooses a reset. That balance sits at the heart of this Hawks star trade stance.
From the Hawks’ side, timing is everything. The team has hovered around mediocrity, and roster questions have clouded its direction. With the trade deadline approaching, front office leadership faces a real decision. Do they double down on Young and use their remaining assets to build a stronger roster around him? Or do they treat the current Hawks star trade stance as the first step toward a larger retool or rebuild?
“I don’t think he’s asking for a trade, but I don’t think he’s telling [the Hawks] not to trade him.” 👀
—@MarcJSpears on Trae Young and the Hawks 🏀 pic.twitter.com/6iIxGLY2vR
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 5, 2026
How the Trade Market Could Evolve
The market will also shape the story. Any team trading for Young would bet on his playmaking, shot creation, and star power while accepting his contract and the defensive trade-offs that come with his game. Contenders might see him as the offensive engine that pushes them over the top. Rebuilding franchises could view him as a centerpiece who accelerates their timeline. Even with the Anthony Davis trade rumors swirling, it wouldn’t be wise for the Hawks to trade for him if Young is no longer here; making that kind of all-in move without their franchise guard would be a mistake. It almost feels like the organization believes it can still be a contender without him, but either way, the price will not be cheap, which is why Atlanta can wait for a serious offer rather than reacting to early noise around Trae Young trade buzz.
In the short term, the Hawks still have games to play and a locker room to manage. How coaches and teammates respond will matter. Trade chatter can either fracture a group or sharpen its focus. If Young keeps competing and the team stabilizes, the Hawks’ star trade stance may cool. If losses pile up, the pressure to act will only grow.
For now, Spears’ report does not guarantee a move, but it changes the tone around Atlanta. The franchise player is open-minded, and Hawks star trade stance is officially a storyline to watch with the 2026 NBA trade deadline set for February 5, exactly one month from today. With that clock ticking, Hawks fans should buckle up for the possibility that today’s smoke turns into a real move. Whether the Hawks ride this out or reshape their future, one thing is clear: the status quo is officially in question.
Featured Image: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images