NBA Insider Reveals Trae Young Spurned Michael Jordan's Greece Event to Support Hawks' Summer League Team

Trae Young notably skipped the Jordan Brand's Board of Greatness gathering in Greece, which celebrated the brand's 40th anniversary and included athletes like Luka Dončić and Bam Adebayo. His absence was a deliberate choice, not due to any conflict with the brand.

NBA Insider Marc J. Spears reported that Young declined the invitation to prioritize his NBA team, the Atlanta Hawks. Instead of attending the milestone event in Greece, Young traveled to Las Vegas to participate in the Hawks' Summer League program and connect with the team's new front office.

This decision highlights Young's current commitment to the Hawks, especially significant as substantive contract extension talks haven't yet begun. Young, who is entering the fourth year of his five-year, $215.1 million deal (with a player option for the final season), demonstrated his dedication by appearing courtside at Hawks Summer League games in Vegas and engaging with fans.

His choice comes after a standout 2024-25 season where he led the league in assists (11.6 per game, 880 total - a Hawks franchise record) and achieved historic feats, including three 20-point/20-assist games and becoming the first player ever to record 30+ points, 20+ assists, and 5+ three-pointers in a single game.

Despite his elite performance, Young's contract future with Atlanta remains unresolved. With only one guaranteed year left and a player option pending, both sides face crucial decisions. Young's action of prioritizing team obligations over a prestigious brand event signals a strong commitment to Atlanta that could influence potential long-term extension discussions.