Hawks’ Trae Young gets $229 million contract update, responds with a Michael Jordan meme

Trae Young is eligible for a four-year, $229 million contract extension starting Sunday, but uncertainty exists about whether both he and the Atlanta Hawks intend to pursue the deal.

On the day the extension could officially be offered, Young posted a cryptic Michael Jordan meme on his Instagram Story, leaving his intentions unclear. Speculation surrounds whether he was mocking the idea of staying in Atlanta, reacting to the Hawks' potential offer terms, or commenting on the absence of an offer altogether.

Young, a polarizing figure frequently mentioned in trade rumors, boasts impressive career averages of 25 points and 10 assists per game. However, questions persist about his ability to consistently translate individual performance into team success.

Turning 27 in September, Young should remain in his prime years. Yet concerns linger about his durability at 6-foot-1 and 164 pounds, particularly regarding how his smaller frame will withstand physical NBA defenders as he ages.