Trae Young remains the most important player for the Atlanta Hawks, their central figure and seemingly the future of the franchise.
But, for the last few years, there have been a plethora of questions about Young and whether he will stick with the Hawks forever.
According to Jake Fischer, per APHoops, Young and his management team “appear inclined to play out the upcoming season and leave his player option decision for next summer, potentially making him an unrestricted free agent in 2026 when the LA Clippers could have max cap space.”
Trae Young and his camp appear inclined to play out the upcoming season and leave his player option decision for next summer, potentially making him an unrestricted free agent in 2026 when the LA Clippers could have max cap space, per @JakeFischer.
(via https://t.co/2zxdhdY5fd) pic.twitter.com/2lkjK6WpdY
— APHoops (@APH00PS) August 10, 2025
They have had some good times, but the Hawks have struggled a lot since Young came to the team back in 2018-19.
Lately, they have been working hard to cobble together a strong team around Young.
They were looking good last season, but several injuries held them back, and they didn’t go nearly as far as they wanted.
They made a few impressive adjustments in the summer and are expecting growth from some of their young players.
And, as always, they want a lot from Young.
He will play his heart out, but will also be thinking about his future and deciding what is best for him.
If Atlanta doesn’t have a season worth remembering, Young will likely decline his player option in the summer, which will set him up to hear offers from other teams.
As mentioned, the Clippers will have plenty of cash to spend on Young in a year, but they won’t be the only ones.
If Young does decide it’s time to fly from Atlanta, a lot of other squads will attempt to woo him with huge contracts.
But there is still a lot of time between now and then, with a full season of basketball waiting.
Everyone will be paying very close attention to Young and the Hawks, eager and somewhat nervous to see what he does next.
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