Trae Young, after not renewing with the Hawks: "There are many misconceptions about me"

The 2025/26 season of the NBA has not started as desired for the Atlanta Hawks. The Georgia franchise has lost 3 of its first 4 games, and with a record of 1-3, they are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. But, in reality, all the attention is on Trae Young.

Trae Young, the face of the Hawks, approaches the season without a signed contract extension. With the potential to become a free agent in 2026, the 27-year-old point guard finds himself in an unusual position for a franchise star in today's NBA, where top players usually extend their deals before entering the final year or force a trade.

Nevertheless, far from being concerned, Young has chosen to maintain a serene and present-focused outlook. "I think it's going to be great. I'm not worried," he stated in remarks to ESPN. "No matter how much I want it, not everything is in my hands. I can only control the present. And I know that if we win, everyone eats. I understand what a victory can achieve."

For Young, the message is clear: winning changes everything. Not just for him, but for the team, the franchise, and his public perception: "If certain things don't go as I want—injuries, health, or situations beyond my control—that man upstairs might have another plan for me. I'm focused on making sure all my teammates, including Quin [Snyder], get the support they need to succeed," added the point guard.

Since joining the league in 2018, Trae Young has been one of the most polarizing figures in the NBA landscape. His offensive talent has never been in doubt, but his playing style and leadership have been a constant subject of debate. The player himself is aware of this. "There are many misconceptions about me," he acknowledged. "They will change over time, and I firmly believe that. And I feel that many of them will change this year."

His coach, Quin Snyder, agrees that the key to this change happening lies in efficiency. "Efficiency is key for Trae," emphasized the coach. "There will be games where he scores more, and others where he passes more. The important thing is for him to read the game, to set the pace and make the right decisions. He was one of the best in advancing the ball last season, if not the best. Now he must maintain that aggressiveness without losing control."

Snyder also highlighted the defensive commitment of the point guard, an aspect historically questioned in his game. "One of the things we talked about was for me to challenge him on defense. He wants to improve every year. He is competitive and willing to take on that challenge."

Winning, the cure for everything

Young compared his situation to that of Baker Mayfield, the NFL quarterback who, after a career start full of criticism, experienced a revival with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to become an MVP candidate.

"People can have a wrong perception of you based on what they see on social media or hear from others," said Young. "I understand Baker when they say he's impulsive or crazy. But when you're winning, now you're a tough, competitive guy. The whole perspective changes just because you win."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Trae Young, tras no renovar con los Hawks: "Hay muchas ideas erróneas sobre mí"