Hawks Assess Trae Young, Jalen Johnson Duo Before Extension Talks

The Atlanta Hawks have yet to sign star guard Trae Young to a contract extension despite his eligibility for a four-year, $229 million deal, as the franchise adopts a cautious approach centered on evaluating Young's on-court chemistry with forward Jalen Johnson. Johnson, a versatile swingman who showed significant promise before a shoulder injury cut his 2024-25 season short, is viewed as a key piece alongside Young for the team's future. The Hawks' front office is waiting to see how Young and Johnson perform together over a full season, particularly given Young's recent decline in scoring efficiency despite leading the NBA in assists. This wait-and-see strategy also factors in the development of other young talents like Dyson Daniels and 2024's No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, as well as recent roster additions meant to complement Young's playmaking. The Hawks’ cautious stance reflects their desire to avoid committing to a massive long-term contract without clarity on the team's core dynamics, especially since Young's current contract option for 2026-27 is likely to be declined. Overall, the franchise’s long-term plans hinge on whether the Young-Johnson pairing can anchor the team, making the 2024-25 season a pivotal evaluation period.