This summer has been busy for NBA stars cashing in on new deals. Mikal Bridges, Luka Doncic, and most recently De’Aaron Fox all signed major extensions, but one name has been missing from the headlines – Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young.
Young is eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension, yet nothing has materialized.
There’s a clear reason why the Hawks are pumping the brakes, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
“Jake recently wrote at length about Trae Young’s future with the Hawks and how the parties appear poised to play out the season ahead before Young either decides to become a free next summer or the sides choose down the road to engage on contract extension talks that were tabled this summer,” Stein explained.
“Addendum from me: I’m told that the Hawks are eager to see more of Young alongside versatile swingman Jalen Johnson — who was limited to 36 games last season before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury — as they make determinations about their big-picture future. Atlanta will have both Johnson and Porziņģis flanking Young next season and expect further development from the promising duo of Most Improved Player award winner Dyson Daniels and 2024’s No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher.”
Atlanta has also surrounded Young with intriguing talent, including Most Improved Player Dyson Daniels and 2024 No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher. Kristaps Porzingis will join Johnson to anchor the frontcourt.
The question now is whether there’s added pressure on Young heading into the season. If he leads Atlanta to a deep playoff run, it will be difficult for the Hawks not to hand him the max. But in today’s NBA financial landscape, franchises can’t afford to lock up a player at that price unless they’re certain he’s championship-caliber.
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