NBA Trade Rumors: 9 Struggling difference-makers that need a fresh start to blossom

Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks

To say that something has been off for Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks over the last couple of seasons would be a vast understatement. And Young’s poor start to the season may be the biggest evidence of that. Through the first few weeks of the season, Young is shooting just 36 percent shooting from the field and 29 percent shooting from 3-point range. Young doesn’t look comfortable and these are some of the same struggles that date back to last season.

After having a career-best season in 2021-22, Young has regressed each of the last two years. It’s not a great trend and it’s something the Hawks will have to consider as they look to make a move up the Eastern Conference standings. Young’s struggles aren’t being talked about much due to the team’s overall success so far this season, but if the losing begins the whispers surrounding Young are going to grow louder.

There’s a chance that a change of scenery is what Young needs. If his time in Atlanta has grown stale, we may not see the best version of Young again. And with the way he’s been playing recently, there’s a chance that is already the case.