The Atlanta Hawks have made no progress in extension talks with Trae Young, who could be in the final season of his contract before he can test free agency, sources told ESPN. Young will make $46 million this season and has a $49 million player option for next season.
Determining Young’s market value has proven difficult for the organization. The four-time All-Star led the league with 11.6 assists per game last season, but the Hawks have averaged just 40 wins over the last four years and haven’t finished above .500 since 2021-22.
A maximum extension would cost Atlanta approximately $230 million over four years, for an average of $58 million per year. The Hawks currently have no other max players on their books and must also consider $55 million in combined commitments to Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels starting next year, plus the impending free agent signing of center Kristaps Porzingis.
“The Hawks have made smart decisions as a front office and they have done a good job assessing the value of their players,” a Western Conference executive said. “Trae’s agent will spend the next few months figuring out what his market is, and the Hawks will also be doing their due diligence to determine what the competition is.”
Young will be sidelined for a month due to a sprained knee he suffered last week. Atlanta has gone 3-1 in his absence, although two victories have come against struggling teams in the Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers.
The Hawks’ performance without Young could impact extension negotiations. Strong play from the young core could reduce the urgency to bid for maximum money, while offensive struggles could strengthen Young’s influence.
“Atlanta is good enough to keep Trae and be good and make the playoffs,” an Eastern Conference executive said. “But with the choice and Jalen, Dyson and Zach, at least they will answer the phone and listen when they get a call.”
Another Western Conference executive noted that Atlanta’s roster construction is all about Young’s skill set and defensive limitations.
“That team is completely built around him and his skills, and I don’t see another team that is going to pay $50 million to get him. [on a max deal next summer]’ said the director. ‘He is the engine that makes that ship sail. It will be interesting to see what it looks like without him.”
#Trae #Young #Hawks #progress #expansion #questions