Trae Young Receives Fresh NBA Trade Deadline Prediction

The Atlanta Hawks have had a successful summer, but the primary focus has been on Trae Young's contract situation. Despite being eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension, no deal has been reached yet.

The Hawks' recent roster additions over the past two off-seasons, including players like Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luke Kennard, and Asa Newell, are designed to build around Young. The team is projected to be competitive in the Eastern Conference.

However, concerns exist about the team's health (notably Porzingis and Jalen Johnson) and their ability to secure a top-four seed or be a legitimate playoff contender. If the Hawks underperform and Young remains unsigned to an extension, trade talks could resurface. With Porzingis and Kennard on one-year deals, and the Hawks controlling the Pelicans' 2026 first-round pick, Atlanta might pivot to building around younger players if the season starts poorly.

Analysts predict Young will be a major topic at the trade deadline. Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes notes Young's apparent frustration at not receiving an extension like peers De'Aaron Fox and Luka Dončić, despite having two years left on his current deal. Hughes suggests Atlanta's hesitation might indicate uncertainty about building around Young long-term, and Young's player option for 2026-27 could make him effectively an expiring contract, increasing trade speculation.

The Ringer's Michael Pina lists Young among NBA figures under the most pressure, citing his offensive impact and defensive limitations. Pina argues that paying Young a max extension could hinder the Hawks' ability to build a contender due to salary cap constraints, especially with other key players needing extensions. He suggests a trade might be inevitable, particularly if the Pelicans' 2026 pick is high, though a future with Young succeeding in Atlanta remains possible if surrounded by better talent and shooters – potentially requiring a pay cut.

Despite the uncertainty, Young is expected to be highly motivated this season to prove he is a winning player worthy of a max extension and capable of leading a successful team.