Hawks bafflingly create seismic risk after granting Trae Young's wish

The Atlanta Hawks have spent the offseason building a strong team around Trae Young, aiming to compete in the weakened Eastern Conference for the 2025-26 season with high hopes of success. However, they have neglected to extend Young's contract this summer, choosing instead to play out the upcoming season and reassess the situation in the next offseason.

Reports indicate that a contract extension for Young may never have been seriously considered this summer, with sources suggesting that Young's side has been resigned to him playing out the final guaranteed year of his current deal rather than securing a new extension worth over $200 million. Young will then need to make a decision on his $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season.

The Hawks' strategy appears to be focused on demonstrating commitment to Young by surrounding him with a talented roster, hoping this will encourage him to sign an extension next offseason. While this approach is not unreasonable, it carries significant risks, as even a successful season with a potent roster does not guarantee Young will choose to stay, and he could opt out of his player option to enter unrestricted free agency.

By testing the roster without securing Young long-term, the Hawks are playing a dangerous game, as his potential departure could undermine their efforts to build a cohesive team for the future.