The Atlanta Hawks have had one of many busier offseasons within the NBA panorama this 12 months, buying and selling for Kristaps Porzingis and signing Nickeil-Alexander and Luke Kennard in free company. It is all been a part of a concerted effort to construct a viable contender round All-Star level guard Trae Younger.
One of many different key storylines involving the Hawks this summer season has concerned a possible contract extension for Younger–he has a participant choice on the finish of the upcoming 2025-26 season. As of but, the 2 sides have but to come back to an settlement on any such deal.
Just lately, NBA insider Jake Fischer took to Marc Stein’s Substack to interrupt down the state of these talks on the present juncture.
“…league sources inform me there aren’t any plans for Younger and the Hawks to interact in extension talks this summer season,” reported Fischer.
Fischer additionally famous that he “would not be a shock if Younger may obtain All-NBA standing in 2025-26 for simply the second time in his profession. And if that occurs he’d be eligible for a five-year contract extension subsequent summer season within the $350 million vary.”
Such a transfer would come after the tip of this season, one that’s full of as a lot promise for the Hawks as there was in years.
Can the Hawks compete?
Getting into this summer season, there was loads of motivation for middling East groups just like the Hawks to attempt to push their chips to the middle of the desk contemplating the injury-riddled state of the convention.
Atlanta did simply that by buying Porzingis, Alexander-Walker, and Kennard, along with drafting Asa Newell and buying what could possibly be a extremely useful 2026 NBA Draft choose within the course of.
In concept, the Hawks have constructed far and away essentially the most appropriate for roster for Younger up to now in his profession, offering him loads of spacing on the offensive finish of the ground, with sufficient ranginess and rim safety to assist him out on protection.
If the Hawks certainly break by way of and put collectively a substantial playoff run this 12 months, it isn’t laborious to think about Younger and the crew working one thing out the following summer season.