Trae Young and Hawks at a Deadlock: What’s Really Behind the Stalled Contract Talks?
Well, here’s a twist that’s been quietly brewing beneath the surface — Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks won’t be putting pen to paper on a contract extension before the season tips off. It’s not exactly breaking news to those who’ve followed the saga closely; Young himself seemed to make peace with this reality months ago. Yet, the stakes couldn’t be higher now. With Young poised to earn a hefty $46 million this year and holding a player option worth nearly $49 million for next season, there’s a looming possibility he could walk away as a free agent next summer, leaving the Hawks in a precarious spot. The plot thickens when you consider that Atlanta’s front office, spearheaded by new GM Onsi Saleh, has painstakingly assembled arguably the most formidable roster around Young to date, eager to observe how the chemistry gels on the court. Despite boasts of a top-four Eastern Conference finish and a legitimate threat to heavyweights like the Cavaliers and Knicks, the real question remains—can Young transcend scoring and truly marshal this talented collective as a floor general? The season ahead is less about ink on a dotted line, and more about proving leadership under pressure — a narrative that could redefine Young’s franchise worth and determine when, or even if, that lucrative extension finally arrives. LEARN MORE
This news is not a surprise. In fact, Trae Young was resigned to this outcome months ago.
Young and the Atlanta Hawks will not reach terms on a contract extension before the start of the season, something confirmed by Joe Varden and Fred Katz at The Athletic. Young will make $46 million this season and has a player option for $48.9 million next season — he could, in theory, leave the team for nothing as a free agent next summer.
Young’s extension can be agreed to and signed at any point during this season, and Young has hinted on social media that he wants to sign one. However, Hawks management has built the best team around Young he has ever had, and new GM Onsi Saleh wants to see how all of this looks before extending anyone. On paper, the Hawks appear to be a top-four team in the East, with the potential to be a playoff threat to the Cavaliers and Knicks at the top of the conference. But what will they look like on the court?
Atlanta was aggressive in building out this roster. The Hawks traded for Kristaps Porzingis, who brings much-needed shot blocking on defense as well as a pick-and-pop partner for Young. Atlanta sign-and-traded for Nickeil Alexander-Walker to add shooting and defense on the wing. Speaking of shooting, the Hawks went out and got Luke Kennard.
Then there are the players in house expected to take a step forward. Jalen Johnson is healthy again after what looked to be a breakout season a year ago. Zaccharie Risacher seems poised to make a leap in his second season. Dyson Daniels was the league’s Most Improved Player a season ago, while this is a big year for big man Onyeka Okongwu.
That’s a lot of talent, but it puts pressure on Young to show he can be the leader of this team, not just a scorer or offensive force but a floor general when the team needs it. If Young can put all the puzzle pieces together, he will get his extension (his max would be four years, $229 million, but the number likely comes in a little below that).
It’s just not happening before the season.
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