In This Story
Atlanta Hawks
Sep 9, 2025 12:53 PM EDT
After finishing eighth in the Eastern Conference and missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season last year, the Atlanta Hawks are looking to bounce back this season.
Of course, the Hawks made multiple notable additions to their roster this offseason as they acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the Boston Celtics and signed both Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard in free agency.
Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks guards Trae Young and Dyson Daniels and forward Terance Mann. — Source: Dale Zanine
By adding these players next to their core of Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta is expected to be one of the top teams in the East this season as they try to make a run at a top seed and ultimately, a championship.
While the Hawks were able to upgrade their roster this offseason, the main storyline for the franchise entering the 2025-26 season is Young’s future with the franchise.
Trae Young’s Future With Hawks in Question
Of course, Young has a player option after this season and if he declines it, he will become a free agent next summer.
Despite this, the Hawks have yet to offer a contract extension to their superstar point guard which has caused many to question his future in Atlanta.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young. — Source: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
On Tuesday, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon released a report that Young’s long-term future with the Hawks is “murky” amid their contract dispute.
“The long-term outlook for Trae Young in Atlanta is murky at the minimum at this point. This is a guy who has been the face of the Atlanta Hawks for seven years,” MacMahon wrote. “He’s averaged 25 and 10. You know, just led the league in assists. His offensive production has been elite. But there are question marks about whether this is going to, you know, be a long-term marriage.”
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This is a massive report by MacMahon and one that does not bode too well for Young’s future in Atlanta.
For Young, he has become one of the best point guards in the NBA, especially on the offensive end, due to his 3-point shooting and playmaking skills.
Last season, the 26-year-old star averaged 24.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 11.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 41.1% from the field and 34.0% from three.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) — Source: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Despite Young’s abilities, it has not translated to much success for the Hawks, though they did set themselves back after the Dejounte Murray trade in 2022.
While that may be the case, Young could be looking for a new team next offseason if he declines his player option or Atlanta could elect to move him this season if the two sides are unable to work out a new contract for the star guard.
About the author
Trending News Writer, Athlon Sports
Nathaniel Holloway is a sports writer specializing in the NBA, NFL and MLB at Athlon Sports. He specializes in trending news stories, breaking news, trade rumors and more.