The Atlanta Hawks are navigating a period of uncertainty as they look to solidify their roster and future with star player Trae Young. Following a quiet rebuild in recent seasons, head coach Quin Snyder now has a young and promising team. The recent addition of veteran center Kristaps Porzingis aims to enhance the team’s competitiveness, but questions loom over Young’s long-term commitment to the franchise.
Porzingis joins the Hawks after a summer trade, potentially providing Young with an elite floor-spacing center for the first time in his career. This strategic move is intended to bolster the Hawks’ offensive capabilities as they strive for playoff contention. Nonetheless, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Young’s future with the team remains unclear. MacMahon stated, “The long-term outlook for Trae Young in Atlanta is murky at the minimum at this point. This is a guy who has been the face of the Atlanta Hawks for seven years. He’s averaged 25 and 10. You know, just led the league in assists. His offensive production has been elite. But there are question marks about whether this is going to be a long-term marriage.”
The relationship between Young and the Hawks has seen its share of challenges. Over the years, the franchise has attempted multiple roster changes to build a competitive team around him. A significant concern has been Young’s defensive limitations, which have contributed to the ongoing adjustments within the roster.
Young is currently entering the final guaranteed year of his $215 million contract, signed five years ago. The 2026-27 season includes a player option, which Young is expected to decline in pursuit of a longer-term deal, either with the Hawks or another team. As the upcoming season unfolds, Young will likely assess his options based on the team’s performance and direction.
The uncertainty surrounding Porzingis may also influence Young’s decision-making. With Porzingis on an expiring contract, he could potentially depart at the end of the next season, leaving Young to reconsider his future in Atlanta. Young has been the cornerstone of the Hawks since he entered the league, but as he approaches a pivotal stage in his career, the prospect of seeking a championship may lead him to explore opportunities elsewhere.
As Snyder builds for the future with the current roster, the next few months are crucial for both Young and the Hawks. A successful season could significantly impact Young’s commitment to the franchise and its trajectory. With all eyes on Atlanta, the coming summer promises to be particularly intriguing, depending on how the team performs in the 2023-24 season.
