Hawks Predicted to Decline $229 Million Decision on NBA Star originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Despite the lack of success, All-Star guard Trae Young is expected to receive a massive payday from the Atlanta Hawks. The team’s best player has stayed with them through thick and thin. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Young is expected to sign a four-year, $229 million extension during the offseason.
Young still has two years left on his five-year $215 million deal. For the 2025-26 season, the star guard is expected to earn $46 million. Next summer, he has the option to either exercise or opt out of his $48.9 million player option.
But with a new deal on the way, his player option could be scrapped.
According to Marks, Young is eligible to sign a new contract with the Hawks on July 6. The $51 million salary he could potentially earn in the first year could cancel the player option in the final year of his current contract.
“How the Hawks handle talks with Young will dictate how the roster is shaped in future seasons. On the surface, Young deserves the four-year, $229 million extension he is eligible to sign. The $51 million salary in 2026-27 would replace his $48.9 million player option,” Marks reported.
However, the Hawks have given more attention to the team’s younger players, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher. Marks predicts Atlanta might allow Young to become an unrestricted free agent next summer if he opts out of the player option.
Additionally, the organization doesn’t see plenty of trade partners that require a star player like Young. The NBA insider mentioned that the star could compromise with the franchise regarding his next contract, which is a three-year, $120 million deal.
“Unless Young is willing to compromise on his next contract (at three years, $120 million, for example), it is hard to see the Hawks writing a $229 million check to the 26-year-old All-Star.”
The offseason of veteran extensionshttps://t.co/NfI8xoRFsgpic.twitter.com/bYCWyqj16S
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) June 3, 2025
With his experience, Young could command attention from other teams looking to upgrade their backcourt. One franchise that could utilize the four-time All-Star would be the Orlando Magic.
Related: Blockbuster NBA Trade Idea Has Hawks Swap Trae Young for Three Former Lottery Picks
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.