Hawks GM Onsi Saleh Wishes Trae Young Well Post-Trade
In a significant move impacting the Atlanta Hawks, general manager Onsi Saleh addressed the media regarding the trade of four-time All-Star Trae Young. The trade, finalized late last week, involved sending Young to the Washington Wizards in exchange for veteran guard CJ McCollum and forward Corey Kispert. This development marks a pivotal moment for the Hawks as they reshape their roster.
Onsi Saleh’s Reflection on Trae Young
During his media availability on Monday, Saleh expressed gratitude toward Young for his contributions to the franchise. He acknowledged Young’s role as the face of the team for many years and conveyed heartfelt wishes for Young and his family. “Trae has been so huge in our community… I really wish him the best, and he’s going to do some cool stuff over there,” Saleh stated.
Trade Rationale and Future Prospects
Saleh emphasized the Hawks’ strategy in making quick decisions regarding trades. The general manager noted that the franchise prioritizes deals that align with its goals. “If there are deals to be done, why wait? If you like something that makes sense, we’re going to do that,” he explained.
The trade was largely interpreted as a financial strategy to alleviate Young’s $49 million player option for the upcoming season. This move grants the Hawks substantial flexibility moving forward, potentially opening up cap room opportunities for the 2026-27 season.
Impact of Emerging Talent
Key to the Hawks’ decision to trade Young was the emergence of younger players such as Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The team demonstrated its capability to thrive without Young, particularly following his early-season knee injury. Saleh noted, “We’ve learned a lot about our team this year,” highlighting the growth and development within the squad.
- Jalen Johnson has evolved significantly, contributing positively to team dynamics.
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker is among those who have shown promise during Young’s absence.
- Saleh emphasized the importance of team cohesion over reliance on individual players.
Looking Forward: McCollum and Team Strategy
As for CJ McCollum, Saleh refrained from discussing contract extensions but expressed optimism about McCollum’s fit within the team. “CJ’s been awesome… I’m really, really excited about having him here,” he said, indicating a long-term vision for the player.
With this trade, the Atlanta Hawks embark on a new chapter, focusing on a blend of experienced players and emerging talent. The franchise aims to strengthen its position in the league while maintaining financial flexibility for the future.
