Why Lou Williams is finally ready to trade Tree Young

A growing chorus around the NBA began calls into question the long-term partnership between Tree Young and the Atlanta Hawksand former Hawks guard Lou Williams is now among those signaling that a split could be imminent.

Speaking on the latest episode of FanDuel’s Run It Back, Williams admitted that while he once hoped Young would remain the face of the franchise, the reality of the league changed his perspective.

“In a perfect world I’d like Trae Young to be a part of it, but you know how the NBA works when you get into your eighth season and beyond and you’re not getting the results you want, maybe it’s time to look the other way,” Williams said. “So I’d be happy for Trey to be happy wherever he is … at this point it looks like Trey is going to have to find somewhere else to be happy. And Atlanta is probably going to have to move on and create a new identity.”

Williams emphasized that his comments were not intended to speak for Young or the organization, but rather reflected his understanding of how front offices operate when sustained success does not materialize. He presented the potential trade not as a failure, but as a reset that could benefit both sides.

The comments come amid a growing number of reports suggesting Atlanta is at least open to exploring a move. NBA insider Marc Stein recently reported a growing belief that the Hawks are willing to listen on Young. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon echoed that sentiment on The Hoop Collective, noting that Atlanta “indicated they are looking for an exit ramp” after declining to extend the star player’s contract.

“Maybe it’s time to look the other way… At the end of the day, I want to see him happy and the Atlanta Hawks be successful at the same time.”

Lou Williams on Trae Young 👀

(via @RunItBackFDTV)pic.twitter.com/bejd5Od7eo

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 30, 2025

The losses mount as Tree Young’s return sharpens questions about the Hawks’ direction

In court, the timing is only intensified. Young, 27, is averaging 19.3 points, 8.9 assists, 1.5 rebounds and one steal per game while shooting 41.5 percent from the field and 30.5 percent from three-point range in 10 appearances, playing 28 minutes per game. Since returning from injury after nearly two months on the sidelines, Atlanta has lost all five games in which he has played.

The The Hawks’ struggles continued Monday night with a 140–129 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunderextending their losing streak to seven games. The skid dropped Atlanta to 15–19, further fueling questions about the team’s direction and whether its current core has reached its ceiling.

Young’s contract adds another layer to the discussion. He is making $45.9 million this season and has a $48.9 million player option for next year, with free agency looming ahead of the 2027-28 season. Any trade would represent a seismic shift for the franchise, but also an opportunity to retool its roster around a different timeline.

For now, Atlanta will try to stop the slump on Wednesday afternoon when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves on New Year’s Eve at 3pm ET. Whether that game marks a turning point or just another chapter in a difficult stretch, Williams’ comments underscore a growing belief around the league: The Tree Young era in Atlanta may be nearing its final act.