Image Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Atlanta Hawks and Trae Young Fail To Reach Contract Extension Agreement Before 2025–26 Season Begins

Image Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Four-time All-Star Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young has hit a snag in potential contract extension talks before what could be a defining 2025-26 NBA season.

According to Fred Katz and Joe Vardon of The Athletic, Trae Young and the Hawks are not expected to agree on a new deal before the regular season begins next Tuesday. While the delay isn’t an encouraging sign for his long-term future with Atlanta, it doesn’t completely close the door on a possible agreement.

Trae Young still has time to secure an extension before the official end of the 2025-26 season, with the deadline set for June 30 next summer.

The development doesn’t come as a major surprise. Speaking at media day on September 29, Young addressed the situation with composure, sharing that he’s focused on the present rather than the uncertainty surrounding a new deal.

NEWS: The Atlanta Hawks and Trae Young will not agree to a contract extension before the start of the regular season, sources tell @FredKatz. pic.twitter.com/0mFXDakrpZ
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) October 16, 2025

Trae Young Says He’s Focused on Team Success Over Contract Talks

“I don’t know if the word disappointment, I don’t know maybe, I am just so focused on and I am more happy about the team that we got this year, I am blessed bro,” Trae Young said.

“I was not stressing, if something happened, it happened, but it didn’t and I still got time and obviously everyone knows what my situation is going into the future so for me, I am focused on this team, I am focused on right now, I am blessed.”

The Atlanta Hawks are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 40-42 finish last season, when injuries and inconsistency left them short of expectations. Without forward Jalen Johnson, Atlanta fell out of the playoff picture after the play-in round.

Over the offseason, the Hawks were active in reshaping the roster. They traded for 3-and-D center Kristaps Porzingis and added free agent wings Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard.

The new additions will join a young and promising core led by Trae Young, Johnson, 2024 No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, 2025 Most Improved Player Dyson Daniels, and center Onyeka Okongwu.

“I got a great team going into this season and one that you can’t really say that I have had so I am even more excited on that so who knows what the future holds but right now I am here and I am present,” Young added.

The 27-year-old is entering the fourth season of his five-year, $215 million contract signed with Atlanta in 2021. He holds a player option for 2026-27, giving him the flexibility to enter free agency if no extension is reached.