Analyst Reveals Why Trae Young’s Contract Extension Will Remain On Hold

Hawks Take Wait-and-See Approach to Trae Young's Extension

The Atlanta Hawks are coming off an impressive offseason, bolstered by key additions like Kristaps Porzingis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. But despite surrounding star point guard Trae Young with a potentially championship-caliber roster, the team is holding off on offering him a contract extension. This cautious approach stems from both sides wanting to see how this new iteration of the Hawks truly performs.

Roster Uncertainty Plays Key Role

ESPN analyst Bobby Marks sheds light on the situation: "I think the flexibility starts with the newness of this roster... If you're willing to commit long-term, what does this roster exactly look like?" Marks points out that while the Hawks' additions look promising on paper, it remains to be seen how well they'll mesh and ultimately contribute to the team's success.

Young’s Perspective
Marks suggests Young might also be hesitant to sign an extension immediately. He notes that even with the new talent, Atlanta could still only finish fourth in the Eastern Conference. This, combined with the massive contract Young will be eligible for next summer (a four-year, $228 million deal), could entice him to explore free agency where at least a third of the league might offer him a more lucrative deal.

Hawks Weighing Options

"I think this is going to be a slow play as far as where both sides are going to go," Marks continues. "I do think there's a middle ground... 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.'"

The Hawks are walking a tightrope. They’ve invested heavily in players around Young to create a winning environment, but they need to see concrete results before fully committing to a long-term partnership with their star guard.

Young, meanwhile, faces a pivotal decision point. He has the opportunity to lead this revamped Hawks team to greater heights and solidify his legacy as a franchise cornerstone. But if success doesn't follow, he might have to consider exploring other options when free agency arrives in the summer of 2026.