Atlanta Hawks
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Atlanta Hawks Eager to See Chemistry.
The Atlanta Hawks used free agency to build for the future, but it didn’t include a max deal for star guard Trae Young.
On August 24, a report from NBA Correspondent Marc Stein indicated the franchise may have a prerequisite before committing to Young long-term.
“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,” Stein Tweeted.
Atlanta Commitment
Young, entering the final guaranteed year of his five-year $215 million deal he signed in 2021, has expressed interest in staying with the team. When free agency opened on July 6, he tweeted an hourglass emoji.
On August 1, he responded to Dallas Cowboys Micah Parsons’ trade request tweet, encouraging his fellow athlete.
“This why you pay the man early, when someone will take less early to stay in a place he wanted to be forever, you do it… the price only goes up now! Get what you deserve bro!,” Young Tweeted.
This why you pay the man early, when someone will take less early to stay in a place he wanted to be forever, you do it… the price only goes up now!Get what you deserve bro!
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) August 1, 2025
The Hawks could have signed Young to a four-year $229 million deal this Summer. Without this extension, it leaves room for interpretation on the relationship between the parties.
Atlanta’s Free Agency
This Summer, Atlanta signed Luke Kennard to a one-year $11 million deal on July 9 to add more shooting depth to the roster. The franchise acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the Boston Celtics in a three-team trade on July 7.
Not to mention, the franchise drafted Derik Queen (No. 13 overall) and traded him for Asa Newell (No. 23 overall). The team also received a 2026 first-round pick (New Orleans or Milwaukee).
While re-signing Young is a possibility, the team has made moves that could suggest a different future for the organization. On the flip side, the 6-foot-1 guard has an opportunity to take the next steps in being a good teammate and being the consistent superstar the team needs.
The 26-year-old guard finished last season averaging 24.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 11.6 assists (career-high) per game.
Jalen Johnson
Young (2018) and Johnson (2021) were drafted three years apart. Both players have been productive. Last season, Johnson averaged 18.9 points, ten rebounds, and five assists while shooting 50% from the field.
Every season, the Duke product has increased his scoring and rebounding averages. Throughout his first two seasons, he only started six games total.
During the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, he started a combined 88 games. NBA teams rely on wing players who can commit on defense and contribute on the offensive end of the floor.
The 6-foot-8 forward signed a five-year $150 million rookie extension on October 22 of last year. Atlanta’s extension with Johnson is a massive commitment and an indication that he is a part of the future.
At the time, Young was not eligible for his extension, but now that the season is a month away, it leaves room for questions.
What’s Next
Young has a player option for the 2026-27 season, but if no extension is offered, it could force his hand. Travis Schlenk, who drafted the Oklahoma product and helped rebuild the Hawks into a playoff roster, stepped down in 2022.
Landry Fields took over as general manager after Schlenk’s departure, but stepped down after three seasons.
Onsi Saleh, promoted this April, had already been a key figure in the front office and hit the ground running in his new role.