## 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.





## 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 Kristap

Analyst Reveals Why Trae Young’s Contract Extension Will Rem

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

## Knicks Lock Down Star Forward Bridges with Lucrative Extension

**New York Secures Core Piece for Years to Come**

The New York Knicks have wasted no time solidifying their future. The team has agreed to a four-year, $150 million contract extension with forward Mikal Bridges, keeping him in the Big Apple through at least the 2028-29 season.  The deal includes a player option for Year 5 and a trade kicker for added protection.

Bridges was entering the final year of his current contract, worth $24.9 million, and would have been eligible for free agency in 2026. He opted for a slight discount from the maximum contract value ($156 million) to allow the Knicks to maintain financial flexibility.  

The 27-year-old was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster offseason deal and has quickly become a cornerstone of the Knicks' two-way identity. Known for his elite perimeter defense, durability, and offensive versatility, Bridges is now firmly entrenched as one of the pillars of the Knicks' long-term championship aspirations. 

Last season, his first with the Knicks, Bridges averaged 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game on 50.0% shooting. He played all 82 games, playing a crucial role in their run to the Eastern Conference Finals. His leadership and positive influence were instrumental in building team culture and maintaining order under pressure.

While the Knicks ultimately fell short of their championship goals, they are trending upwards and looking to keep the momentum going.  With recent moves, they are projected to be a major force in the East for years to come. Alongside Bridges, the Knicks boast talent like Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson. The team also added sharpshooting guard Jordan Clarkson, who will provide a spark off the bench.


Bridges' annual salary of roughly $37.5 million will make him one of the NBA's highest earners next season, despite never making an All-Star roster. After five years with the Suns and a brief two-year stint in Brooklyn, Bridges has found his new basketball home, and both sides seem incredibly happy with the arrangement.

Bridges will be in his mid-30s when his new deal expires, and by then, the hope is that he'll have something to show for his loyalty. As one of the deepest teams in the East, the Knicks have a better chance to win next season than they have had in a very long time, and Bridges expects to be a major part of it.

With Bridges now locked in long-term, the Knicks have solidified one of the league's most balanced starting units. If they can stay healthy and continue to build chemistry, New York will remain a serious contender in the East, and Bridges will be right at the heart of it.  


## Knicks Lock Down Star Forward Bridges with Lucrative Extension

**New York Secures Core Piece for Years to Come**

The New York Knicks have wasted no time so

#Nba news & analysis

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

Mikal Bridges, Knicks Agree To 4-Year, $150M Contract Extension