Trae Young’s Contract Extension Concerns
Trae Young is currently expressing his dissatisfaction over the lack of a contract extension offer from the Atlanta Hawks, as reported by Marc Spears of ESPN/Andscape. After witnessing players like Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sign lucrative extensions, Young’s patience is wearing thin. He was already voicing concerns about the speed of negotiations a month ago and now feels disappointed by the absence of an extension offer during the offseason.
Franchise Decisions and Roster Moves
While the Hawks have the option to propose a substantial four-year deal worth $228.6 million, they aren’t in a rush, given that the deadline is not until June 30, 2026. The key issue for the franchise is determining whether Young qualifies as a maximum contract player. Current opinions in the league suggest uncertainty regarding his max status, which complicates potential negotiations.
This offseason, the Hawks have made significant moves to strengthen their roster, aiming to secure a top-four position in the Eastern Conference. They added Kristaps Porzingis for his shot-blocking and offensive pairing with Young, while also enhancing their wing strength with Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels. Luke Kennard’s shooting ability further boosts their lineup, alongside the return of a healthier Jalen Johnson and the anticipated development of Zaccharie Risacher.
Young’s Performance and Future Prospects
Last season, Young demonstrated his significance to the team with averages of 24.2 points and 11.6 assists per game; however, he also led the league in turnovers, which raises questions about his overall efficiency. This scenario prompts the Hawks to consider if they might prefer to evaluate team performance before engaging in extension discussions. A two-year offer in the range of $100-105 million seems plausible, yet Young’s willingness to accept such a deal remains uncertain.
Young’s Desire for Engagement
What Young desires most is some engagement in negotiations, a sentiment that resonates with his recent show of support for Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons amid contract discussions.
“This is why you reward a player early — those who want to remain in a place long-term often accept less in the beginning. The cost just increases over time! You deserve it, my guy!”
Young tweeted, indicating his passion for staying connected to his franchise amidst ongoing uncertainties about his future with the Hawks.
