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Hawks Could Part Ways With Star Trae Young Next Year, Insiders Believe

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nathan Dougherty | Last updated Mar 3, 2025 3:54 PM ET

The Atlanta Hawks could face a big decision on star guard Trae Young, with some insiders speculating that the team might decide to move on rather than give him a lucrative contract extension.

The Hawks have found limited success since landing Young with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft, reaching the Eastern Conference finals just once and missing the playoffs three times. The Hawks are hovering around the fringes of playoff contention this season, leading to speculation that the team could move on from Young rather than make a big financial commitment.

Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that with the lack of overall team success, the Hawks may be reluctant to make Young the centerpiece of their franchise.

"Thus, the question on the mind of executives around the league is whether or not Atlanta will commit a long-term extension to Young this summer or look to move him before having to pay him more money," Scotto wrote.

"Conversely, Young has talked about winning a championship with coach Quin Snyder in Atlanta. With Atlanta four years removed from the Conference Finals and declining in the playoffs since, will Young continue to believe that’s possible in Atlanta as he enters the prime of his career, or would a change of scenery be necessary to chase a title?"

Scotto added that the Hawks have tried to build a contending team around Young, attempting to land Brandon Ingram before trade talks fell through.

The franchise is conscious of costs, leading to a situation that other league executives are watching closely, Scotto added.

"Atlanta is ideally not looking to go over the luxury tax threshold next season, HoopsHype has learned, which will play a role in the team’s roster construction this summer and the futures of those veterans," Scotto wrote.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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