Despite years of speculation about Trae Young's future in Atlanta, the Hawks decided to go for it around their dynamic point guard this offseason. The 26-year-old star is entering his eighth season in the league, and the Hawks have demonstrated their faith in Trae Young by building a competitive team for him this summer. The additions of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kennard should bring the Hawks into playoff relevance.
Yet, the Hawks didn't really answer the biggest question surrounding the team. Young is extension-eligible, and if the sides don't come to an agreement soon, Young could become a free agent next summer by declining his player option. Even before an agreement has been signed, however, Young already won the negotiations thanks to the disastrous contract the San Antonio Spurs just gave to De'Aaron Fox.
BREAKING: San Antonio Spurs star De'Aaron Fox has agreed to a four-year, $229 million maximum contract extension with the franchise, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN. The max deal secures Fox's future in San Antonio through the 2029-30 season. pic.twitter.com/vvCdMExAbt
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 4, 2025
Hawks' Trae Young Is Biggest Winner in NBA's Latest Contract Blunder
ESPN's Shams Charania just reported that the Spurs and Fox agreed on a five-year, $229 million contract extension on Monday. This was the absolute maximum deal the 27-year-old point guard could have signed, and the one Young is also eligible for.
This gives Young's camp a perfect comp to point to in contract negotiations with the Hawks. Two players have essentially the same age, position, and player profile. The only difference is that Young has proven far more in his career so far than Fox has. A four-time All-Star, Young has taken his team to the Conference Finals compared to the one All-Star and one playoff appearance for Fox, despite having one more year of experience.
Young has limitations as a player, to be sure. He creates defensive issues and has struggled against elite defenses in the postseason. Yet, he is a far better offensive engine than Fox, carrying limited offenses to regular-season successes year in and year out. He will have every right to ask for the same contract his counterpart in San Antonio just received.
Whether Atlanta should give him that deal, however, is an entirely different question. The Hawks should seriously consider playing hardball with him and be comfortable being uncomfortable. If they can't get a discount, they should be willing to let Young play on an expiring contract rather than locking themselves up to a long-term deal that is unfriendly to the team. Whether GM Onsi Saleh agrees remains to be seen.