The Atlanta Hawks have a decision to make regarding their star player, Trae Young. The Hawks have a young group that has shown plenty of promise to help the organization in the future. Although they have a decent young squad, their best player doesn't fit their timeline.
Young is 26 and will turn 27 before the start of the 2025-26 NBA season. The Hawks have not been competitive in the past four seasons. They've also missed the playoffs in the past two years. Without a competitive group around him, it's been difficult for the star guard to make the most of his prime years.
According to NBA reporter Evan Sidery, there's a chance Young won't be part of the Hawks' future.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) controls the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Sidery reported on X that some teams are monitoring the Hawks' situation with Young. The four-time All-Star is eligible to sign a four-year, $229 million extension. Unfortunately for the former college star, there have been talks that Atlanta isn't willing to give him the full amount.
"Young, who is eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension, wants to get paid but there’s belief Atlanta might not want to offer him the full-scale amount," Sidery reported.
ESPN's Bobby Marks believes the organization will offer Young a three-year contract extension worth $120 million. It's far from what the All-Star guard expects, but Marks believes taking a pay cut could be beneficial for the team to pursue a star to pair with their franchise star.
If he doesn't sign the extension, Young will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026, since his five-year, $215 million deal is set to expire. The Hawks will try to avoid reaching that situation by potentially trading him to get something in return.
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