Mar 12, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) holds back Charlotte Hornets guard DaQuan Jeffries (3) during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images

'This is Why You Pay the Man Early' – Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young Fires Subtle Micah Parsons Shot Amid Extension Talks

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Aug 6, 2025 11:11 AM ET

After acquiring Kristaps Porzingis , Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard to retool their roster this summer, next up for the Atlanta Hawks is working on a new contract extension with Trae Young.

However, according to ESPN’s Marc Spears, the Atlanta Hawks have delayed extension talks with Young this offseason, leaving the four-time NBA All-Star “disappointed.”

“What I’m hearing now at this point…I think he’s disappointed that it hasn’t come, it hasn’t been offered,” Spears said on ESPN. “So, don’t be surprised if he plays this out and sees what happens next summer. To me, Trae has nothing to prove.”

Atlanta Hawks Make Big Front Office Announcement After 2025 Play-In Tournament Fail 3 Mar 22, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) in action against the Golden State Warriors in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

“Trae has done a lot to show that he’s invested in the Hawks,” he continued. “He’s the face. He’s their new Dominque Wilkins. He’s one of the best shooters in the league. I don’t think he has anything to prove, but there are new sheriffs in town who want to figure out with this young group.”

Atlanta Hawks News: Trae Young can relate to Micah Parsons’ complicated Dallas Cowboys situation

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons is in a similar situation with Trae Young, and the Atlanta Hawks star recently chimed in on it via social media earlier this week.

Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young Gets 100% Honest on His Ejection During Play-In Loss Vs. Orlando Magic 13 Mar 3, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) reacts after a delay of game call during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

“This why you pay the man early, when someone will take less early to stay in a place he wanted to be forever, you do it… the price only goes up now! Get what you deserve bro!” Young wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Young, who averaged 24.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 11.6 assists, and 1.2 steals on 41.1 percent shooting in 2024-25, will earn roughly $46 million this upcoming season, and he has a $49 million player option he can activate in the summer of 2026.