The Atlanta Hawks are not going to extend (subscription required) Trae Young this offseason, according to Jake Fischer. The four-time All-Star is entering the final guaranteed year of his contract, and fans should be questioning the franchise’s decision-making. Young could be the best unrestricted free agent on the market in the summer of 2026, and some team may outbid the Hawks for his services. The front office seems committed to making their star prove it this season.
It is a surprising call after Young recruited multiple free agents to Atlanta this summer. The Eastern Conference is wide open, and the Hawks are a serious threat to make a deep playoff run. Their roster is built around Young, and the franchise can’t afford to lose him.
The Hawks’ front office has made their decision. Young is eligible for more than $200 million. It is no easy decision, especially with the 26-year-old’s limitations. He led the franchise to conference finals in 2021, but hasn’t been able to replicate that success. The pressure is now on if Young wants to stay in Atlanta.
Trae Young is not getting an extension from the Hawks
Fischer reported Young is disappointed that the Hawks didn’t even offer him an extension. The decision is not ideal if the organization wants to keep him long-term. He has a $48.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season. There will be significantly more guaranteed dollars on the table next summer, and Young will likely try to cash in.
This is a massive gamble by Atlanta. Young is a four-time All-Star and one of the best playmakers in the world. If the Hawks make a leap, several teams will have interest in landing the star point guard. Young still has room to improve, and the Hawks are risking losing him with zero return next summer.
The Hawks added Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kennard this offseason. Those are significant upgrades, and Jalen Johnson will return from injury to help Atlanta. Young deserves plenty of credit for the upgrades, and fans could see the best versions of all three players with the point guard creating open looks for them.
Atlanta Hawks fans must hope Trae Young plays well enough that the front office rewards him with a new contract. Nobody wants the star point guard to leave. The Hawks don’t want to give him a max contract and shouldn’t in the apron era. Every dollar counts. Getting Young on a discount significantly improves their chances of contention after two straight years of missing the playoffs.
Young might be willing to take less, but the Hawks won’t know until they offer a deal. It is time to act, but the Hawks are content to let it play out. This could backfire, and the franchise will have nobody to blame but themselves.