Atlanta Hawks star point guard Trae Young became eligible to sign an extension at the beginning of the summer, yet one hasn't happened. It doesn't seem like one will happen before the season starts, either. NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on Monday that there are no plans for the Hawks and Young to engage in extension discussions this summer (subscription required).
The deadline for Young and Atlanta to agree to an extension isn't before the season, as he has until next July to sign one. If the Hawks let it get that far (and that appears to be the case), he could decline his $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season to test free agency.
Kendrick Perkins is one of many who believe Atlanta should extend Young now. On Monday's episode of ESPN's NBA Today, he said that it will be a mistake if the guard doesn't sign an extension, pointing out that there won't be an upgrade for the Hawks if Young leaves.
Kendrick Perkins thinks Hawks not extending Trae this summer is a mistake
This isn't an outcome that Young didn't see coming, at least not in the way it's played out thus far.
Fischer reported that Young's camp "has actually been resigned for some time to the prospect of seeing out the final guaranteed year on his current contract rather than securing an extension." He added that Young's disappointment regarding the situation is that the organization hasn't "really broached an extension at all."
The insider reiterated that Young isn't "actively pushing" to leave the Hawks, so that isn't something fans need to worry about. At least not yet. He has a great relationship with Quin Snyder and loves Atlanta, but the uncertainty is what is worrisome.
Putting Young in a position where he could decline his player option to test free agency waters isn't ideal. Fans don't want the organization to take that chance, putting the guard in a position to leave for all of the reasons that Perk listed (and more).
The Hawks retooled their roster this offseason, putting the perfect players around Young. They have a great shot to finish as a top team in the East, not just because the Celtics and Pacers will be without their star players for most of, if not all, of next season. Atlanta is scary.
The last thing they should want is for Young's future to be a distraction, but it looks like that'll be the case.
Pay the man, please.