Trae Young Hawks reportedly not reaching contract extension is no surprise
This news is not a surprise. Indeed, Trae Young resigned himself to this outcome months ago.
Young and the Atlanta Hawks will not reach terms on a contract extension before the start of the season, something confirmed by Joe Varden and Fred Katz at The Athletic. Young will make $46 million this season and have a $48.9 million player option next season — he could, in theory, leave the team for free as a free agent next summer.
Young’s extension can be agreed upon and signed at any time this season, and Young has hinted on social media that he wants to sign one. Still, Hawks management has built the best team it’s ever had around Young, and new GM Onsi Saleh wants to see what that all looks like before extending anyone. On paper, the Hawks appear to be a top-four team in the East, with the potential to pose a playoff threat to the conference-leading Cavaliers and Knicks. But how will they appear on the pitch?
Atlanta has been aggressive in building this roster. The Hawks traded for Kristaps Porzingis, who brings much-needed shot blocking on defense as well as a pick-and-pop partner for Young. Atlanta signed and traded for Nickeil Alexander-Walker to add shooting and defense on the wing. Speaking of shooting, the Hawks went out and got Luke Kennard.
Then there are the players at home who should take a step forward. Jalen Johnson is healthy again after what appeared to be a breakout season a year ago. Zaccharie Risacher looks ready to make a quantum leap in his second season. Dyson Daniels was the league’s most improved player a season ago, while this is a big year for big man Onyeka Okongwu.
That’s a lot of talent, but it puts pressure on Young to prove he can be the leader of this team, not just a scorer or offensive force, but a floor general when the team needs him. If Young can put all the pieces of the puzzle together, he’ll get his extension (his max would be four years, $229 million, but the figure is likely slightly lower).
It just won’t happen before the season.
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