Trae Young and Hawks Unable to Reach Contract Extension Before NBA Season Sources Reveal
The Atlanta Hawks and Trae Young are navigating contract negotiations as the NBA season approaches. Despite ongoing discussions, the two parties have not reached an agreement on an extension for Young before the season’s start. Young, aged 27, is entering the last guaranteed year of his contract. He could become a free agent next summer if a new deal isn’t secured by then.
Contract Details and Prospects
Young is eligible for an extension during the 2025-26 season. Should he opt for free agency, it would be his first experience. His current contract will pay him $46 million in the 2025-26 season, with a player option worth $49 million for the 2026-27 season. Declining this option would allow him to explore the market as an unrestricted free agent.
Team’s Strategic Moves
The Hawks have focused on assembling a competitive lineup to complement Young’s skills. Recent acquisitions include Kristaps Porziņģis, who also approaches free agency next summer and prefers to play the full season before discussing extensions. Other key additions are Nickeil Alexander-Walker, a defensive specialist, and Luke Kennard, known for his shooting prowess.
Core Team Members
- Trae Young – Four-time All-Star
- Jalen Johnson – Potential All-Star
- Dyson Daniels – Reigning Most Improved Player
- Zaccharie Risacher – Former No. 1 pick
- Onyeka Okongwu – Promising big man
Upcoming Free Agency and Extensions
The Hawks need to address their roster continuously. Besides Young, Kennard and Porziņģis’s contracts will expire after the current season. Dyson Daniels also faces an extension deadline by October 20. If not extended, he would become a restricted free agent in 2026. However, the team remains optimistic about retaining the 22-year-old.
Seasonal Aspirations
Atlanta aims to rise above the Play-In tournament for the first time in four years. Young’s performance will be crucial in achieving this goal. Last season, he averaged 24.2 points and led the league with 11.6 assists per game. Over his seven-year career, Young has maintained an average of 25.3 points and 9.8 assists, contributing to the Hawks’ Eastern Conference finals run in 2021.
