On August 11 , NBC Sports reporter Kurt Helin reported that Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young has accepted the reality of not negotiating a contract extension with the team this summer. Although the Hawks actively strengthened their lineup during the offseason, they chose to remain silent on the issue of Young's contract.

According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line , league sources indicate that the Hawks and Young will not engage in contract extension negotiations this summer. Young has already accepted the possibility of playing out the final guaranteed year of his current contract, rather than signing a long-term deal worth over $ 200 million as previously planned. He will then need to decide whether to exercise his $ 49 million player option for the 2026-27 season .

The Hawks plan to play this new roster for the entire season before making a major financial decision next summer. Porzingis will become a free agent, and Young could opt out of his contract and enter the market. The risk is that if Young leaves, the Hawks could lose both the player and the money.

For Trae Young , this is also a moment to turn a setback into an opportunity. If the four-time All-Star can ignite the Hawks' offense, leading the team to a high seed and a playoff berth, his market value will increase further in the next round of negotiations. With the potential threat of free agency, he will have greater bargaining power.