Few groups have as a lot driving on a robust 2025-26 season because the Atlanta Hawks. They constructed a terrific roster round star Trae Younger, turning a middling roster into a possible Japanese Convention contender.
Granted, the East is paper-thin heading into subsequent season, with the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers being weakened with accidents to Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton. Nonetheless, the Hawks have an opportunity to go deep within the East.
That is assuming that issues work out with Younger, who has but to be signed to a contract extension. That is uncommon since most groups lock up their stars to extensions the primary likelihood they get.
The Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs did simply that with them extending Luka Doncic and De’Aaron Fox to three- and four-year extensions, respectively. The Fox extension particularly might have an enormous say in contract discussions between Younger and the Hawks.
The Atlanta Hawks and Trae Younger are far aside on a brand new deal
Younger may have a look at Fox’s 4-year, $229 million extension and need the identical deal, and he’d have a degree. Younger is arguably the higher participant—atleast the higher offensive participant of the 2, so if Fox received paid, then why not Younger?
That is truthful reasoning, however Younger’s worth across the NBA appears to be in a bizarre place. He is without doubt one of the finest level guards within the league, however groups appear hesitant to supply a lot for him in commerce talks.
That each one however ensures that he would not get max cash in free company. Nonetheless, the Hawks have that to supply, and that could be Younger’s expectations. They might need him to earn it, however what if he performs nicely, and the Hawks thrive just for them to balk on giving him the max?
Trae Younger has the Hawks caught between a rock and a tough place
He may very nicely depart in free company subsequent summer season, with groups such because the Brooklyn Nets, Lakers, and Washington Wizards having important cap house. Letting him depart is all of the extra sophisticated by them not proudly owning their 2027 first, which is owned by the Spurs.
Him leaving and the Hawks backsliding into the playoffs may price them a lottery decide. Even a nasty 2025-26 season would end in them shedding their decide to the Spurs, who’ve swap rights. That does not give the Hawks a whole lot of room for error.
With a bit of luck, the Hawks will reside as much as expectations subsequent season, encouraging each Atlanta and Younger to return again to the negotiating desk.
