The fundamental decision that Trae Young will have to make this summer 2025

Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks face a crucial summer in 2025 following a disappointing elimination in the Play-In. The Hawks counted on developing their young core of Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, and Onyeka Okongwu this season. Johnson's shoulder injury prevented them from unleashing their full potential after a season together, but the last three players made great progress throughout the campaign. However, Atlanta may not be able to rely as much on development in the 2025-26 season. Young is set for a lucrative contract extension and holds influence over Atlanta's front office this summer. The star point guard's decision could have a domino effect on the franchise in the near future.

Young will enter the fourth year of a five-year, $215 million contract at the start of the upcoming season. However, his last year is a player option for nearly $49 million. Young could opt-out and become an unrestricted free agent in a year's time. Conversely, if Young believes he can win a championship in Atlanta, he could be eligible for a four-year, $229 million contract extension this summer. If he is selected to the All-NBA team this season, the figure jumps to five years and $345 million. He led the NBA with 11.6 points per game after receiving his fourth career All-Star nomination.

Young has stated multiple times he wants to win in Atlanta. In his exit interview a week ago, Young reassured Hawks fans about his stance. "Of course... I've won here before, not a championship but I've accomplished a lot here. I know what it takes. I definitely feel like I can win here."

The Hawks pushed the Milwaukee Bucks, the 2021 NBA champions, to six games in the Eastern Conference Finals. However, Atlanta has not come close to replicating that season. The acquisition of Dejounte Murray backfired, and the Hawks have missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons.

At this moment, the Hawks are nowhere near championship contention. Even if their young core develops into multiple stars, it will take years, and Young is entering his prime at 26. He may not want to wait. If Atlanta continues to focus on talent development, Young could depart after the upcoming season. This is the worst-case scenario for the Hawks as they are not acquiring young talent or draft capital as they head into a full rebuild.

The Importance of Trae Young's Decision

Young holds the cards when negotiating a potential contract extension this summer. He can tell the front office he wants to win now or threaten to decline his 2026-27 player option. As a result, the Hawks could expedite the process and trade some of their young talents and draft assets for a star to pair with Young.

According to ClutchPoints National NBA Insider, Brett Siegel, Atlanta reached out to the Phoenix Suns regarding Kevin Durant at the 2025 trade deadline. Both franchises could resume talks this summer as Durant is likely on the way out. Young grew up watching the 36-year-old superstar in Oklahoma City and admires him as a role model.

Giannis Antetokounmpo could also be traded. The Milwaukee Bucks are on the brink of elimination, trailing 3-1 to the Indiana Pacers, and Damian Lillard suffered an Achilles injury. Lillard will miss most, if not all, of the next season, leaving Milwaukee in a tough spot. The Bucks have limited draft capital and financial flexibility for the next five seasons. Antetokounmpo, at 30, wants to win at the peak of his career and could request a trade. Young and Antetokounmpo in a pick-and-roll would form a lethal combination if they teamed up in Atlanta. Young could heavily influence the 2025-26 campaign of the Hawks and beyond.

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