The NBA All-Star Weekend is finally here, and Trae Young is getting all the hype he deserves.

Trae YoungTrae Young (Photo by Nathan Ray Seebeck/Imagn Images)
The Atlanta Hawks star guard opened up about his selection as an NBA All-Star replacement for the second consecutive year.

Young was not initially voted in by fans for the All-Star nod. However, he shared his feelings regarding the recognition he received from his fellow players and the media. Despite the disappointment of being a replacement rather than a starter, he expressed his understanding of the voting dynamics.

“I don’t necessarily know but at the same time if you look at the voting – the players voted me in, my peers and the media still basically voted me in this year. For me, that’s what matters the most. I was okay regardless because I understood what it was. Unfortunately, if I’m not voted in by the fans as a starter, it seems like I’m a get snubbed so, it’s okay,” Young said.

Young’s journey this season has not been without its challenges. Averaging 23.7 points and a career-high 11.5 assists, his shooting percentages have dipped to career lows. Yet, he remains a critical component of the Hawks’ offense. Despite these struggles, he saw a remarkable surge leading up to the All-Star break, averaging an impressive 30.9 points and 12.3 assists in February.

Hawks Will Be At A Crossroads On Trae Young This Summer

While Young is enjoying his fourth NBA All-Star nod, a crucial decision is looming large. The Hawks are facing a big decision about Trae Young this summer. After a few seasons of ups and downs, the team has to figure out what to do with their star player.

Young has a player option for the 2026-27 season, and if the Hawks don’t extend his contract soon, they risk him demanding a trade or leaving in free agency. This situation is critical because Young wants to win, and the team needs to decide if they can build a competitive roster around him.

Trae has been a highlight for the Hawks, showing off his skills as a playmaker and leading the team during key playoff moments. He’s made multiple All-Star teams, proving his talent in the league. However, this season hasn’t been perfect. He’s putting up good assist numbers, but his shooting efficiency and turnovers have been a concern.

The Hawks need to think about whether to invest heavily in him for the long term or consider trading him to refresh their roster. Questions about his happiness with the current lineup add to the urgency of this decision. As summer approaches, the Hawks have a chance to shape their future. They can either commit to Young with a costly extension or look for trade options. And that might inject new talent into the roster.