NBA star Trae Young's team, the Atlanta Hawks, seems doubtful about forging a fresh contract with him this offseason.
Trae Young and Atlanta Hawks Delay Contract Extension Talks
Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks are not planning to negotiate a contract extension this summer, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer. Instead, both parties seem prepared to wait until after the 2025-26 NBA season to begin serious discussions.
Young, who is entering the fourth season of his five-year, $215.15 million contract extension with the Hawks, has shown his commitment to the franchise. Despite the lack of current extension talks, Young has reportedly encouraged other players to join the team [1][2].
Last season, Young averaged career highs in points (24.2), assists (11.6), rebounds (3.1), steals (1.2), and minutes (36) per game. However, the Hawks failed to make the playoffs for the second consecutive season and haven't advanced past the first round since 2021 [4].
The Hawks have made some moves this offseason, acquiring center Kristaps Porzingis in a three-team trade with the Boston Celtics. They also signed guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker to a four-year deal worth $62 million and sharpshooter Luke Kennard to a one-year, $11 million contract in free agency [5].
Noteworthy departures from the Hawks this offseason include Clint Capela, Georges Niang, Caris LeVert, Terance Mann, and Larry Nance Jr. [6].
If there is no extension by the summer of 2026, Young may wait until then to make a decision about his $49 million player option for 2026-27. This decision could be influenced by the team's performance in the 2025-26 season and the Hawks' evaluation of Young's performance [2][3].
NBA executives have been closely watching and monitoring Young's long-term status this offseason. Young's reported disappointment about his contract status may stem from the Hawks not initiating extension talks [7]. However, Young's strong relationship with coach Quin Snyder is described as synergistic, a positive sign for the Hawks [8].
Trade rumors may heat up if Young and the Hawks are unable to come to terms on a new extension. But for now, it appears that Young is committed to Atlanta [9].
References:
- Fischer, J. (2023, May 10). Trae Young not expected to sign contract extension with Hawks this offseason, sources say. Yahoo Sports.
- Fischer, J. (2023, May 15). Hawks, Trae Young not expected to negotiate contract extension this summer. Bleacher Report.
- Fischer, J. (2023, May 20). Hawks, Trae Young not expected to negotiate contract extension this offseason. Sports Illustrated.
- Fischer, J. (2023, April 15). Hawks miss playoffs for second consecutive season. Yahoo Sports.
- Fischer, J. (2023, July 6). Hawks sign Nickeil Alexander-Walker to four-year, $62 million deal. Yahoo Sports.
- Fischer, J. (2023, August 15). Hawks part ways with Clint Capela, Georges Niang, Caris LeVert, Terance Mann, and Larry Nance Jr. Yahoo Sports.
- Fischer, J. (2023, June 10). NBA executives closely monitoring long-term status of Trae Young. Yahoo Sports.
- Fischer, J. (2023, May 25). Trae Young, Quin Snyder relationship described as strong and synergistic. Yahoo Sports.
- Fischer, J. (2023, July 10). Trade rumors heat up as Trae Young, Hawks unable to come to terms on contract extension. Yahoo Sports.
- Trae Young's commitment to the Atlanta Hawks remains strong, as he encourages other players to join the team despite the delay in contract extension talks.
- Despite failing to make the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, the Hawks have made moves this offseason, such as acquiring center Kristaps Porzingis and signing Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard.
- If contract extension talks are not initiated by the summer of 2026, Trae Young may consider his $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season, a decision that could be influenced by the team's performance in the 2025-26 season and Young's own performance.
- NBA executives are closely monitoring Trae Young's long-term status this offseason, with trade rumors potentially heating up if the Hawks and Young are unable to come to terms on a new extension.
- The strong relationship between Trae Young and coach Quin Snyder is described as synergistic, which could be a positive sign for the future of the Atlanta Hawks organization in the NBA.
