NBA Teams Monitoring Trae Young as Trade Candidate Amid Contract Uncertainty
The long-term future of Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young is drawing attention across the league, with multiple NBA executives closely monitoring his situation as the 2025 offseason unfolds.
Young, a four-time All-Star, remains under contract for two more seasons and holds a $49 million player option for the 2026–27 campaign. He is eligible to sign a four-year, $229 million extension, but sources tell FastbreakJournal.com that no substantial negotiations have taken place to this point.
During a Friday appearance on ESPN’s NBA Today, insider Shams Charania reported that “executives in Las Vegas were closely watching and monitoring the future and status of Atlanta’s Trae Young.”
While Young’s name has circulated in speculation, he is not believed to be seeking a move.
“Trae Young, by all accounts I’m told, is locked in,” Charania said. “He’s excited about this team.”
Young is coming off another strong individual campaign. He averaged 24.2 points and a league-leading 11.6 assists per game during the 2024–25 season, adding 3.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals while shooting 41.1 percent from the field, 34.0 percent from beyond the arc and 87.5 percent from the free throw line. Despite his production, the Hawks missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
Around the league, Young is viewed as a polarizing figure when it comes to trade value. While some general managers see him as an elite offensive engine capable of transforming a team’s scoring identity, others are more skeptical. Concerns persist about his defensive limitations and whether his playing style can anchor a sustainable winning culture.
Several executives told FastbreakJournal.com that while Young’s talent is undeniable, his fit as a franchise cornerstone would be evaluated closely depending on the team’s roster construction and leadership infrastructure.
The Hawks have responded to recent postseason absences with aggressive offseason moves aimed at stabilizing the roster around their star guard. Atlanta acquired center Kristaps Porziņģis in a three-team trade involving the Boston Celtics and signed guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker to a four-year, $62 million contract. The team also added veteran sharpshooter Luke Kennard on a one-year, $11 million deal, signaling a commitment to returning to contention.
Young’s current deal—a five-year, $215 million contract signed in 2021—is fully guaranteed through 2026, with a player option for the final year. Had he earned All-NBA honors this past season, he would have qualified for a supermax extension. Without that designation, the current extension limit stands at four years and $229 million.
If extension discussions remain stagnant heading into next season and the Hawks fail to show on-court progress, league interest in Young’s availability is expected to intensify. While he has not publicly expressed dissatisfaction, rival teams are preparing for the possibility that Atlanta could explore trade options as the 2026 offseason looms.
For now, Young is expected to report to training camp with a renewed focus on leading Atlanta back into the postseason. The Hawks’ front office has signaled belief in the current core, and Young is said to be fully invested in the group’s direction. Whether that confidence translates into long-term security—and a new contract—remains to be seen.
