Is leaving the Hawks the better option for Trae Young next summer?

While some stars like Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander already received massive extensions, Young hasn’t gotten the same treatment. And it’s starting to show. Between cryptic tweets and subtle frustration, the message is clear: Young wants long-term security, and he’s earned it.

On paper, his case is strong. He just averaged 24.2 points and led the league with 11.6 assists per game in the 2024-25 season. He ranked among the NBA’s best playmakers and posted his third career 20-10 season. But the Hawks, as a team, took another step back. They lost in the play-in tournament and missed the playoffs for the second straight year.

Even with those numbers, Young has heard whispers for months about whether Atlanta is the right place for him to win long-term. There have been multiple rumors dating back to last season suggesting the Hawks could explore trade options if the situation doesn’t improve, but now the pressure may be shifting in the other direction — if the front office isn’t willing to commit soon, Young could be the one to walk.

To be fair, the Hawks have been busy reshaping the roster. They brought in Kristaps Porzingis in a surprise move to bolster the frontcourt, added Luke Kennard’s shooting and shored up their bench with Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The team still believes it can build a winner around Young.

But if they believe it, why wait to lock him up?

That’s what’s reportedly bothering Young’s camp. He wants clarity. If the Hawks are serious about contending, then locking-in their franchise player should be a priority. If they hesitate, the door is open for Young to either push for a trade next summer or test free agency in 2026. And if he lands on an All-NBA team this season, he’ll be eligible for a supermax contract — likely with more suitors than ever.

Right now, the ball is in Atlanta’s court. But if it doesn’t act soon, it risks repeating a pattern that has haunted other teams: undervaluing a star until it’s too late.

And for Young, that might mean looking elsewhere for a franchise ready to go all-in — not just on paper, but with a pen and contract in hand.