Hawks' Future Plans for Trae Young At Stake

The Atlanta Hawks have made it clear that they do not intend to extend the contract of star player Trae Young ahead of the 2025-26 season. According to reports from The Athletic's Fred Katz and Joe Vardon, Young is set to earn just under $46 million in what is the final guaranteed year of his existing contract. Furthermore, he holds a player option worth approximately $49 million for the following season, 2026-27, as noted by Spotrac.

Contract Negotiations Heating Up

The Hawks have until June 30 of next year to offer Young an extension and prevent him from opting to test free agency. Young, who is eligible for a hefty four-year, $229 million extension, has been at the center of contract speculation following a series of cryptic social media posts. Among his comments was a reaction to Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons' trade request, where Young stated, "This why you pay the man early, when someone will take less early to stay in a place he wanted to be forever, you do it." This only fueled rumors about his contract situation.

As the Hawks gear up to kick off their regular season next Wednesday against the Toronto Raptors, there’s an air of anticipation around the team. Katz and Vardon reported that the Hawks are taking the time to evaluate their new roster, which includes summer acquisitions Kristaps Porziņģis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard, with high hopes for this upcoming season.

Young's Mixed Feelings on Contract and Team's Aspirations

However, Young's sentiments about playing this season without a new contract appear complex. When asked if he felt disappointed regarding the lack of an extension before training camp, Young replied, "Disappointment? I don't know [about] the word disappointment. I mean, maybe, for sure." As he continues to navigate his contract situation, the player who recently celebrated his 27th birthday averaged an impressive 24.2 points and a league-leading 11.6 assists during the previous season, although the Hawks fell short of the playoffs with a 40-42 record.

The team has not made it past the first round of the playoffs since losing to the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals, a series where Young was limited due to a right ankle injury. If the Hawks believe they are on track for a deeper playoff run in 2026, they may find it crucial to extend Young's contract before his performance in the postseason inflates his asking price further.