Despite Trae Young‘s personal success, the Atlanta Hawks have struggled to replicate the surprising success of their 2021 Eastern Conference Finals appearance.
Following a disappointing 131-116 defeat to the Chicago Bulls in the East’s 9-10 play-in game, the team is at a pivotal juncture. In a recent discussion about his future with the team, Young expressed mixed feelings.
“I want to be here, but I want to win, too,” Young stated on Friday. He emphasized his desire to achieve championship success in Atlanta, a sentiment that has driven him since the beginning of his career.
Young is currently two years into a five-year, $215 million contract that extends through the 2026 season, with a possible early termination option in 2027.
However, the trajectory of the Hawks has been concerning, with a decline in the team’s winning percentage each year since 2021. In the 2023-24 season, Atlanta posted a 36-46 record, underscoring the challenges the team faces in building a competitive roster around Young.
As Young contemplates his future, the Hawks’ management faces the crucial task of enhancing the team’s competitiveness to align with his ambitions. The coming seasons will be critical in determining whether Atlanta can turn their fortunes around and fulfill Young’s aspirations for championships.
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