Recent developments indicate that the Atlanta Hawks and star point guard Trae Young will not meet before the beginning of the regular season to finalize a contract extension. Sources confirmed this information to El-Balad on Thursday. Young, 27, is entering the last guaranteed year of his existing deal and could enter free agency next summer if no agreement is reached.
Trae Young’s Contract Status
Currently, Young has a lucrative contract that includes a $46 million salary for the 2025-26 season and a player option worth $49 million for 2026-27. Should he opt out of that deal, Young would become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career. The Hawks still have the opportunity to negotiate an extension with him during the 2025-26 season.
Roster Changes and Future Prospects
This summer, the Hawks restructured their roster with the hope that a new mix of players will contribute positively. Key acquisitions include:
- Kristaps Porziņģis – Seeking to play out the season before considering an extension.
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker – A defensive specialist acquired to strengthen the lineup.
- Luke Kennard – A sharpshooter enhancing the team’s offensive options.
These additions complement existing talents such as Young and potential All-Star Jalen Johnson. The Hawks are also optimistic about the contributions of reigning Most Improved Player Dyson Daniels, former No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher, and up-and-coming big man Onyeka Okongwu.
Additional Contract Negotiations
Addressing Young’s contract is not the only priority for the Hawks. Both Porziņģis and Kennard are set to hit free agency at season’s end. Additionally, Daniels is eligible for an extension but must finalize terms before October 20. If no agreement is made, he will become a restricted free agent in 2026. However, Atlanta remains confident about retaining the 22-year-old, regardless of the extension timeline.
Aiming for a Successful Season
The Hawks aim to rise above the Play-In tournament in the upcoming season, a goal they haven’t achieved in four years. Trae Young, who averaged 24.2 points along with a league-high 11.6 assists last season, plays a pivotal role in these aspirations. Over his first seven seasons in the NBA, he has consistently averaged 25.3 points and 9.8 assists, highlighting his significance to the franchise.
