The Atlanta Hawks may be entering a pivotal stage with franchise star Trae Young, as questions grow around his long-term commitment to the team.
On The Hoop Collective podcast, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said “the long-term outlook for Trae Young in Atlanta is murky at the minimum at this point,” despite his elite production since entering the league. Young has averaged 25.3 points and 9.8 assists per game over his career, including leading the NBA in assists last season.
The timing is significant, as Young is eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension through June 30, 2026. However, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the All-Star guard is not expected to engage in contract extension talks this offseason.
Marks explained on NBA Today that Atlanta’s newly constructed roster adds to the uncertainty. The Hawks recently acquired Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard, while rookie Dyson Daniels is eligible for an extension. “Although it looks good on paper, we still don’t know how good this Atlanta team potentially could be,” Marks said.
Atlanta’s front office, led by GM Onsi Saleh, is choosing to evaluate before locking into a long-term deal. The franchise has struggled to advance in the playoffs since reaching the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals, failing to move past the first round in three consecutive seasons.
From Young’s perspective, the market could present alternatives. Marks noted there are about ten teams in the Eastern Conference projected to have cap space, potentially giving the guard leverage as he weighs his future.
Jake Fischer of The Stein Line previously reported that Young’s camp plans to wait until the final guaranteed year of his current contract before addressing his $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season.
At age 26, Young remains the offensive centerpiece in Atlanta. He averaged 24.2 points and a career-high 11.6 assists last season while drawing praise from head coach Quin Snyder for improved leadership and defensive focus.
The Hawks’ direction over the next two years will be critical in determining whether Young commits to another long-term deal. If the roster finds success with its new additions, it could strengthen the case for keeping the former No. 5 pick in Atlanta.
If not, the franchise may face the prospect of exploring alternatives to secure its future.
