Atlanta Hawks Eager to See More of Trae Young Alongside Jalen Johnson as They Make Determinations About Big-Picture Future

The Atlanta Hawks are eager to see more of Trae Young alongside Jalen Johnson as they make determinations about their big-picture future, according to NBA insider Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

The Hawks and Young will not agree to an extension this offseason. Young is eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension.

“I’m told that the Hawks are eager to see more of Trae Young alongside versatile swingman Jalen Johnson — who was limited to 36 games last season before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury — as they make determinations about their big-picture future,” Stein wrote.

Atlanta is 79-73 when Young and Johnson are in the lineup since 2021.

The Hawks haven’t made the playoffs since 2023. They signed Luke Kennard and acquired Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kristaps Porziņģis this offseason.

One of the top scorers and passers in the NBA, Young averaged 24.2 points, 3.1 rebounds and 11.6 assists for the Hawks last season in 76 games while shooting 41.1% from the field, 34.0% from beyond the arc and 87.5% from the free-throw line. The Oklahoma product was first in the NBA in assists and assists per game.

Meanwhile, Johnson played in only 36 games for the Hawks in 2024-25 due to a shoulder injury. He averaged 18.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.0 blocks while shooting 50.0% from the field, 31.2% from beyond the arc and 74.6% from the free-throw line.

Young will make $45.9 million next season, while Johnson will make $30 million. Young can become an unrestricted free agent next offseason by declining his 2026-27 player option with the Hawks worth $48.9 million. 

Atlanta made the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, losing to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games. The franchise hasn’t won a playoff series since then.