The Atlanta Hawks have emerged as one of the best teams in the league after their offseason dealings. Having made some significant additions to their squad, the Hawks have provided their star Trae Young with ample support. However, the franchise has been hesitant in offering its star an extension, potentially creating some tension heading into the regular season.
While concerns regarding the situation have painted a picture of a potential rift emerging, ESPN's Bobby Marks revealed why both sides would prefer to delay these discussions.
"I think the flexibility starts with the newness of this roster," said Marks, while discussing how the roster flexibility has impacted the team's approach to offering Young an extension.
"Although it looks good on paper, we don't know how good this Atlanta team potentially could be when you look at it. I think, if you're willing to commit long-term, what does this roster exactly look like? I think you want a better feel."
Marks elaborated on Young's perspective, suggesting that even with the new moves, the Hawks may still only finish fourth in the East.
When also factoring in the four-year, $228 million he will be eligible for next summer, Young may turn his attention to the free agency market, where at least a third of the teams in the league could have the cap space to offer him a better deal.
"I think this is going to be a slow play as far as where both sides are going to go," Marks continued. "I do think there's a middle ground, as far as reaching that commitment here. But I do think from Atlanta's perspective, you're thinking, 'Wait a minute. Let's see how this roster fits before we're willing to commit long-term to Trae Young.'"
This paints an interesting picture for the Hawks.
Atlanta has made some key positional upgrades with the addition of players such as Kristaps Porzingis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. When also factoring in the development of younger players such as Zaccharie Risacher, Jalen Johnson, and Dyson Daniels, the Hawks are a team with potential heading into the future.
All of Atlanta's moves this offseason cater to Young's needs, providing him with the ideal roster to generate success. While this could be viewed as support, it could also be a test of Young's leadership and his ability to carry the franchise to a championship.
In his seven years with Atlanta, Young has only been to the playoffs three times, with an Eastern Conference Finals appearance being one of his most impressive accomplishments. Since the 2022-23 season, the four-time All-Star has not been able to replicate the same success, primarily due to a weaker supporting cast.
The upcoming season is an opportunity for the Hawks guard to showcase his value as a franchise cornerstone. As one of the best playmaking guards in the league, Young will have an abundance of scoring options, giving him enough freedom to elevate Atlanta's offensive production.
Success in this sphere could be a defining moment in Young's career with the Hawks. With the possibility of an exit in the summer of 2026, both the player and the franchise will be closely monitoring the team's performance over the course of the season.
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