Hawks Guard Trae Young Diagnosed With Right Knee MCL Sprain, Rehab Planned

Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young suffered a sprained MCL in his right knee during a game against the Brooklyn Nets and will be re-evaluated in approximately four weeks after an MRI confirmed the injury. Multiple doctors reviewed the MRI and confirmed that Young avoided any major structural damage, which is a positive sign for his recovery. Young exited the game early and has started rehabilitation, with the team emphasizing not rushing his return. In his absence, the Hawks are adjusting their rotation by relying on guards Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Keaton Wallace, and Luke Kennard, as well as giving forward Jalen Johnson more playmaking responsibilities. Despite his injury, Young had been averaging 17.8 points and 7.8 assists per game early in the 2025-26 season. The Hawks, currently holding the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference, face challenges trying to maintain momentum without their four-time All-Star point guard.