Trae Young has not found much playoff success since his maiden trip to the Conference Finals four years ago. For the last two seasons, he has been unable to lead the Hawks past the Play-in tournament. Sure enough, the constant disappointment has led to major doubts regarding Trae’s credibility as the face of the franchise. There are even speculations that the Hawks could trade him this summer. But veteran insider Zach Lowe believes trading Young might not be the best path forward!

Addressing the buzz, Lowe said, “I kind of want the Hawks to keep Trae Young long term. I don’t think there’s a great market for him, so I don’t think there’s a trade out there that completely just reorients the franchise in a positive way.” Well, Trae still has two years left on his current deal, with a $48.9 million player option for 2026-27. He is eligible to sign a four-year $229 million extension this summer.

Although Lowe wants the Hawks to keep Young, he doesn’t think the superstar’s salary should exceed his current one, “If I am them, I am being like ‘Look, we’ll extend you, but it’s gotta be one of these, it’s flat or it comes down and it’s flat. Like we’re not giving you the max.’ If I can extend him at a decent number, I just kind of like their team.” If Trae agrees to ink a lower value deal, the Hawks will be better equipped to build their roster and hopefully become title contenders soon. And Lowe believes Trae can be at the center of that plan if he makes some key changes to his playing style.

“I do think he changed his style of play a little bit. I think there’s hope for like a Trae Young mid-career ‘metamorphosis’ is too strong of a word, but I could see like in a year, it’s like ‘Oh my God. The Hawks are like up 2-1 in the second round and Trae Young is moving off the ball a little bit.’ I could see it. That’s what I would do because I don’t think there’s three first round picks and a prospect or anything like that for Trae Young on the market right now.” Lowe added.

Yes, the Hawks have a solid young roster, that if developed correctly, can do serious damage in the East. All Trae needs to do is take a minor pay cut and tweak his game to facilitate that process, per Lowe’s advice. While Trae’s future remains uncertain, he is busy enjoying the NBA Finals in Oklahoma.

Trae Young picks OKC to beat Pacers in NBA Finals but plans to stay home for celebration

Of course, Trae was heartbroken when his season came to an early end following the Play-in tournament exit. “I don’t think it’s okay to be okay with losing. I’m upset about it. I’m not happy that I’m here talking to y’all at the end of the season right now. I wish it was later.” He told the media. But now that he has had a couple of months to reflect on the loss, Young is currently in Oklahoma, enjoying the ongoing Pacers vs OKC series.

Well, Trae is a Norman, Oklahoma native and represented the Sooners during the 2017-18 season. He was also named the new Assistant GM for the college’s men’s basketball program in March. So, his ties with the city run deep. That’s why he is picking the Thunder to beat Tyrese Haliburton and Co. “It’s going to be a good Finals for us Thunder fans… I feel like the Thunder, obviously, are the better team. And it’ll be surprising, not just everybody in this room, but everybody outside of this room if they lose.” He told Andscape.

Moreover, Young plans on enjoying from home if his prediction comes true, “I’m going to be in my house.” Although he is rooting for OKC to win, the Hawks star does not wish to participate in a parade until he is the one lifting the trophy, “I can’t go to no parade in the city until it was my first time. I love the Thunder to death. Shai was right next to me at [the 2025] All-Star Weekend. Our lockers were right next to each other. So, we were talking about our kids, things like that, about the city where he’s living. And yeah, I told him, ‘I hope y’all win if it ain’t us.’ But I ain’t going to be in the parade and all that stuff. So, I’ll watch it and tune in and share from the sideline.”

As Trae enjoys his stay in Oklahoma, he hopes to be on the big stage competing for the title this time next year, “I have a feeling, hopefully, we’re here playing the Thunder next year and I’m not having this (dinner). Y’all will be watching me (in the NBA Finals) here in OKC.” Do you think he can accomplish his goal next season?