Trae Young and Nate McMillan had “an exchange” at Friday’s shootaround that led to Young not attending the Atlanta Hawks’ home win over the Denver Nuggets later that day, sources told Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic.
McMillan asked Young, who was receiving treatment on his shoulder, if the point guard would participate in a shootaround and receive treatment during a walk-through in the buildup to the Nuggets game.
Young responded by saying he wanted to miss the walk-through to focus on his treatment and decide later if he could play.
McMillan then gave Young two options: either to come off the bench, or not show up to the arena. Young decided he would not play against the Nuggets, with the team ruling him out due to shoulder soreness.
On Sunday, McMillan said that Young did not play on Friday due to a “miscommunication.” Young practiced on Sunday and is expected to suit up on Monday against the Thunder.
Young did not receive any disciplinary action from the team for Friday’s events, though members within the organization believe he must become a more productive and positive face of the team.
The Athletic adds that the Hawks have held many team meetings to resolve various conflicts throughout this season, describing the latest incident as a “telltale moment.”
McMillan’s job is currently safe despite the tensions.
