On Monday, a report from ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said the Atlanta Hawks are “looking for the exit ramp” regarding Trae Young’s time with the organization. All signs point to Atlanta moving on from the 27-year-old by the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
In his eighth year with the Hawks, Young is averaging 19.3 points and 8.9 assists in 28 minutes. However, he has played in just 10 of the team’s 34 games this year due to injury. Young’s next chance to return is on Wednesday against the Timberwolves.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been in the market for a point guard for months now. Earlier this month, it was reported that Minnesota called the Chicago Bulls asking about Coby White’s availability.
So, could Wolves president Tim Connelly and the front office be having conversations with Atlanta next?
When assessing Young’s fit in Minnesota, it is important to understand how the Wolves’ current point guard options have fared in 2025, excluding Mike Conley. That starts with Donte DiVincenzo, whom the Timberwolves installed as their starting point guard in place of Conley.
DiVincenzo, 28, has been inconsistent this season. He is averaging 13.5 points, 4.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds, and has occasionally shown signs of elite-level 3-point shooting that extends well beyond the arc. But some nights, the eighth-year veteran’s shot just doesn’t fall.
However, DiVincenzo brings intensity every night. An ability to penetrate the painted area and guard on the other end. He’s much more than a shooter.
Then there is Bones Hyland, a tremendous Connelly signing. Connelly drafted Hyland 26th overall in 2021 when he was in Denver and brought the journeyman to Minnesota last season. His ability to score from all three levels is crucial for a Wolves team that lacks shot creation from its bench unit.
Earlier this month, Chris Finch called Bones “a pass-first guy who can really score.” Finch just wants Bones to be himself, and playing with the second unit allows him to get “Bizzy.”
Meanwhile, Rob Dillingham has yet to find his footing in the NBA. He has had some bright moments as a rookie, but he’s been inconsistent this season. Which, in fairness, can be expected from a player who’s not a mainstay in the rotation.
That was once also the case for Hyland, but it’s clear he has surpassed Dillingham on the depth chart. In Minnesota’s 136-101 win over the Bulls on Monday, Dillingham’s six minutes came in garbage time.
While the Wolves have had promising performances at the point guard position this season, it remains a clear need for a team ready to compete at the top of the Western Conference. Without a steady player at the position, they lack something that could take them over the top.
Young would bring the Wolves a steady dose of elite-level offense. His fit next to Anthony Edwards would be seamless, because both have experience playing without the ball in their hands.
In the playoffs last year, the Oklahoma City Thunder sent multiple defenders after Edwards, leaving his teammates open for 3-point opportunities. However, the Wolves were unable to capitalize.
Long story short, good luck trying that strategy with Young, who remains one of the NBA’s best perimeter shooters with limitless range. Young also gives the Wolves vital playoff experience. He knows what it takes to advance in the postseason as an organization’s No. 1 option.
The primary concern with Young is his struggles on defense. Young has the worst defensive rating on the Hawks.
However, he is not the only reason for Atlanta’s defense. It has remained a problem in the 24 games the Hawks have played without him.
But Young would be surrounded by better defensive help in Minnesota – a top-five defense in the NBA.
Still, it will be challenging to trade for Young. They would likely have to part with either Julius Randle or Naz Reid in addition to other assets – like Dillingham or Terrence Shannon Jr. Is that cost worth it for the Wolves? Who knows? With Edwards already on his second contract, the 2029 offseason is closer than we think.
The Timberwolves cannot make decisions that will put Edwards’ desire to be in Minnesota at risk. A move for Young could do that. However, it would show the front office’s willingness to do whatever it takes to bring the Wolves their first championship.
In May 2024, in the middle of Minnesota’s playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, Young posted this tweet in reference to Edwards:
“Should’ve been a Hawk to start, but that’s for another day..”
The likelihood of the two teaming up in Atlanta is zero. However, it remains a possibility in Minnesota. With the trade deadline looming, that day could be coming sooner rather than later.