In the high - octane world of the NBA, championship rings are the ultimate symbol of success. For fans of the Atlanta Hawks and enthusiasts of the game, the question "How Many Rings Does Trae Young Have?" is a topic of great interest. As of 2025, Trae Young has not won an NBA championship ring in his career. However, his journey in the league has been filled with enough highlights to suggest that he could be a future champion.
Trae Young's Basketball Background
Rayford Trae Young was born on September 19, 1998, in Lubbock, Texas. His basketball talent was evident from a young age. In high school, he played for Norman North High School in Oklahoma, where he was a standout player. His skills earned him a spot on the McDonald's All - American team in 2017, a significant honor for high - school basketball players in the United States.
Young then took his talents to the University of Oklahoma for the 2017 - 2018 season. In his lone season with the Sooners, he had a remarkable campaign. He tied the then - NCAA Division I single - game assists record with 22 and became the only player in NCAA history to lead the nation in both points and assists in a single season. He was named a consensus first - team All - American, won the Wayman Tisdale Award (given to the nation's top freshman), and was the NCAA scoring champion and assists leader. His college success catapulted him into the national spotlight and made him a highly - anticipated prospect for the 2018 NBA Draft.
NBA Career So Far
Trae Young was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the fifth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. However, on the same day, he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks, along with a future first - round pick, in exchange for the draft rights to Luka Dončić. This trade set the stage for an exciting rivalry between the two young stars.
Since joining the Hawks, Young has quickly established himself as one of the league's premier point guards. In his rookie season (2018 - 2019), he averaged 19.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game, earning him a spot on the NBA All - Rookie First Team. His playmaking ability and scoring touch were on full display, and he showed a fearlessness in taking big shots.
In the 2019 - 2020 season, Young took a significant leap forward. He averaged 29.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game, leading the Hawks in scoring and assists. His performance earned him his first NBA All - Star selection. Young's ability to create his own shot, especially from three - point range, and his knack for finding open teammates made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
The 2020 - 2021 season was a breakthrough year for both Young and the Hawks. Despite averaging 25.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 9.4 assists per game, the Hawks made a deep playoff run. They defeated the New York Knicks in the first round and the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round. In the Eastern Conference Finals, they faced the Milwaukee Bucks. Although the Hawks ultimately lost the series, Young's performance was outstanding. He led the team in scoring and was a constant threat on the offensive end, showing his ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stage.
In the 2021 - 2022 season, Young continued to shine. He averaged 28.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game and was named to the All - NBA Third Team. He also earned his second All - Star selection. His leadership on the court was crucial for the Hawks, as he guided the team's offense and made key plays in close games.
The 2022 - 2023 season saw Young average 26.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. He was once again selected as an All - Star, his third in a row. His assist numbers were a career - high, demonstrating his growth as a playmaker and his ability to make his teammates better.
The Road to Championships
While Trae Young has had individual success in the form of All - Star selections and All - NBA honors, winning an NBA championship remains the ultimate goal. The Hawks have made the playoffs in three of his six seasons in the league, but they have yet to claim the title.
In the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals, the Hawks came close to reaching the NBA Finals. However, they faced a tough Milwaukee Bucks team led by Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks' size and defensive intensity were challenging for the Hawks to overcome. Young and the Hawks put up a valiant effort, but in the end, the Bucks prevailed in six games.
Since then, the Hawks have been working to build a team around Young that can compete for a championship. The front office has made moves to acquire players who complement Young's skills. For example, players with good three - point shooting and defensive abilities have been added to the roster to provide spacing and support on the defensive end.
Young's own development is also crucial. As he continues to grow as a player, he has been working on improving his defense. Defense is a key aspect of winning championships, and by becoming a more well - rounded player on both ends of the court, he can increase the Hawks' chances of success. Additionally, his leadership within the team has been growing. He has the ability to inspire and motivate his teammates, which is essential for a championship - contending team.
Future Championship Chances
Looking ahead, the future for Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks is filled with promise. Young is still relatively young in his NBA career, being only 26 years old as of 2025. He has plenty of time to add championship rings to his resume.
The Hawks' front office has shown a commitment to building a competitive team. They will likely continue to make strategic moves in the draft, free agency, and trades to improve the roster. With Young as the focal point of the offense, the team has a foundation to build around.
Moreover, Young's experience in the playoffs, especially in the deep run in 2021, has given him valuable lessons. He has learned what it takes to compete at the highest level in the NBA postseason. As he applies this knowledge and continues to develop his skills, the Hawks' chances of winning a championship increase.
In conclusion, while Trae Young currently has zero NBA championship rings, his journey in the league has been remarkable thus far. His individual achievements, combined with the Hawks' playoff appearances, suggest that he is on the path to potentially winning a championship in the future. Basketball fans will be eagerly watching as he and the Hawks strive to add that coveted championship hardware to their collection.