The Waiting Game: Why the Hawks and Trae Young Aren’t Talking Extension—Yet
It’s been a busy month for NBA front offices. Mikal Bridges, Luka Dončić, and most recently De’Aaron Fox have all secured massive extensions to lock in their futures. But one name has been notably absent from that list—Atlanta Hawks superstar point guard Trae Young.
Young, eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension this summer, remains unsigned. And according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, that’s not about to change anytime soon.
“League sources tell me there are no plans for Young and the Hawks to engage in extension talks this summer,” Fischer reported.
A Different Situation in Atlanta
Unlike Dončić and Fox—both acquired via trade in high-profile, franchise-defining moves—Young’s situation is more stable on the surface. The Hawks didn’t make a blockbuster trade for him before February’s deadline. Instead, the team has focused on building around their franchise point guard.
That includes surrounding him with versatile two-way wings and, most notably, adding Kristaps Porziņģis as a pick-and-pop partner—arguably the most dynamic scoring forward Young has ever played alongside.
Still, sources say Young’s camp has long expected to play out the final guaranteed year of his current deal before deciding on his $49 million player option for 2026–27. His current contract, like the potential new one, would be worth north of $200 million.
Not About Leaving
Fischer was quick to clarify one key point: Young isn’t trying to force his way out of Atlanta. His reported frustration stems not from a desire to leave, but from the fact that the Hawks haven’t initiated serious extension talks at all.
Young remains confident in his ability to lead Atlanta back to the playoffs. If he does, it could be the turning point for both sides to revisit a long-term deal next summer.
Eyes on 2026
If Young delivers the kind of season he envisions, he could hit free agency in 2026 as one of the league’s most coveted stars—should he decline that player option. The stakes would be similar to the anticipated decisions facing LeBron James and Austin Reaves with the Lakers.
For now, all eyes are on the 2025–26 season. The Hawks appear to have constructed the perfect supporting cast for their franchise cornerstone. But in the era of the NBA’s second-apron tax penalties, max contracts are reserved for players who can truly carry a team deep into the postseason.
Young doesn’t have to do it alone, but he does have to prove he’s worth every dollar of a potential max. If he succeeds, next summer could be all about Trae Young—on his terms.
