Could this be the season when the Atlanta Hawks finally show all that they are capable of?
The team has been making some big plays this summer, acquiring talent like Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and more.
But they haven’t moved forward with a contract extension for Trae Young, and now we know why.
According to Marc Stein, per Legion Hoops, the Hawks are “eager” to “see a bigger sample size of Trae Young alongside Jalen Johnson.”
Based on what they see, they will then make “determinations about their big-picture future.”
In other words, this next season will be make-or-break for Young, Johnson, and the Hawks.
REPORT: The Hawks are “eager” to see a bigger sample size of Trae Young alongside Jalen Johnson “as they make determinations about their big-picture future.” 👀
(via @TheSteinLine)
More: https://t.co/OPmrH8NrA1 pic.twitter.com/102LyZHgEs
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 25, 2025
Johnson was something special last season, but he missed half the year with a shoulder injury.
Atlanta’s front office was excited to see him perform with Young, but they want a bigger sample size before they make any franchise-changing decisions.
The Hawks are now filling their roster with great support to put around Young, and he is about to play with the best squad he’s ever had.
In a perfect world, he will work well with them, and the Hawks will fly higher in the Eastern Conference standings.
But if things aren’t markedly better for Atlanta, they are going to make some tough choices.
Would it be Johnson or Young they part ways with?
That is where the money comes into play.
As great as Young is, the Hawks won’t be willing to give him a massive new deal if things just aren’t working out.
Additionally, there have been countless rumors about Young attempting to seek a new squad if he doesn’t see good results from the Hawks this year.
The Eastern Conference is wide open, the Hawks have never looked this good, and the future could be bright in Atlanta.
If it’s not, Young could be flying from the nest.
NEXT: Hawks Sign Former Magic Forward