Latest On Hawks’ Trae Young Extension Talks
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Trae Young became eligible on July 1 for a four-year, $222.4 million maximum extension, but sources indicate the Atlanta Hawks have not moved toward an agreement with their All-Star point guard.
The lack of progress stands in contrast to recent deals for other elite guards: Luka Dončić secured a three-year max with the Lakers, and De’Aaron Fox landed a four-year pact with the Spurs.
Young’s résumé stacks up well against his peers. The 26-year-old has four All-Star selections, guided Atlanta to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals, owns a 25.3-point career scoring average, and led the NBA with 11.6 assists per game in 2024/25. Still, ESPN’s NBA Today panel reported Tuesday that substantive negotiations have yet to materialize.
“Trae has done a lot to show he’s invested in the Hawks,” ESPN’s Marc J. Spears said, noting that Young helped recruit free agents Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard, attended Summer League instead of a Jordan Brand event in Greece, and met with new senior vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham.
Atlanta’s offseason also included trading for center Kristaps Porziņģis and anticipating the return of forward Jalen Johnson from a shoulder injury. Those moves have generated optimism about a playoff run after last spring’s play-in exit, yet Spears believes the regular season could start without a new deal for Young.
Spears referenced a recent social-media post in which Young commented on NFL star Micah Parsons’ contract dispute: “This why you pay the man early… the price only goes up now!” The remark fueled speculation about Young’s own stance, though his willingness to accept less than a full max remains unclear.
Imagem: Luke Adams via hoopsrumors.com
Team officials must also weigh Young’s career-low 41.1% field-goal mark in 2024/25 and his ongoing defensive challenges. General manager Onsi Saleh and the restructured front office may prefer to evaluate roster fit before committing long-term.
Young is set to earn roughly $46 million in 2025/26 and holds a $49 million player option for 2026/27. He can remain extension-eligible during the upcoming season if he declines that option within a new agreement.
Source: Hoops Rumors
