Hawks GM Onsi Saleh reveals why Atlanta acted swiftly, prioritizing decisive direction over lingering trade deadline uncertainty for Trae Young.
The Atlanta Hawks did not want uncertainty lingering over their season, and general manager Onsi Saleh said Monday that conviction — not impatience — drove the organization’s decision to trade Trae Young weeks before the NBA’s trade deadline.
Speaking during a virtual media availability, Saleh addressed Atlanta’s choice to trade the longtime face of the franchise to the Washington Wizards nearly a month before the NBA’s trade deadline. While the move immediately drew mixed reactions around the league, Saleh said the Hawks believed clarity and alignment mattered more than timing.
Saleh opened the session by recognizing Young’s impact beyond the basketball court, emphasizing the significance of his presence in the community and within the organization.
“Trae has been so huge in our community,” Saleh said in his opening statement. “Him and (his wife) Shelby, what they’ve done, we just wish them the best. They’ve been phenomenal for our organization. Like talking about a guy that’s been the face of our franchise for quite a long time.”
Young, who had been synonymous with the Hawks since arriving in Atlanta, was dealt last Wednesday in a trade that brought veteran guard CJ McCollum and sharpshooter Corey Kispert to Atlanta. The Hawks still had 29 days before the NBA’s trade deadline, but Saleh said the front office never viewed waiting as a requirement.
Saleh explained that the organization’s philosophy prioritizes decisiveness when an opportunity aligns with its long-term vision.
“As you guys have seen with me, our group, too, as a front office, if there’s deals to be done, ‘Why? Why wait?’ is my philosophy on that,” Saleh said. “If you like something that you think makes a lot of sense, we’re gonna do that.”
Saleh expanded on that approach, making clear that the Hawks were not interested in delaying a move simply to see what the market might look like later.
“We just do what’s best for our organization, move forward,” Saleh said. “And, I’m not one to really wait on anything like that. If it makes sense for us, today, tomorrow, we’re going to move on something. So there was really no question of, ‘Let’s wait a little bit and figure this out at the deadline.’”
The trade has generated polarizing opinions, with some former players and analysts questioning the return for a player of Young’s stature. Others have noted the realities of the current market, particularly for high-usage guards on large contracts.
Saleh did not shy away from the criticism but stressed that Atlanta’s evaluation extended beyond optics.
The Hawks believe the return deepens the roster and aligns with the team’s evolving style of play. McCollum brings experience and late-game composure, while Kispert adds shooting efficiency that complements Atlanta’s existing perimeter threats.
Saleh emphasized the professionalism both players bring to the locker room.
“CJ is veteran leadership,” Saleh said. “Corey has been a pro. These guys, these guys are pros, and they really add to the locker room. They really add to our on-court play as well. And we’re just really excited for them.”
For Atlanta, the move represents a clear pivot rather than a pause — a decision made with intention, not hesitation.
Saleh made it clear that once the Hawks believed they had identified the right deal, the calendar no longer mattered.