Trae Young is in the fourth year of his five-year, $215 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks.
All Atlanta Hawks stars are expected to make $45.9 million for the 2025-26 NBA season. Following the next season, Trae Young also has a $48.9 million player option.
Now, Young’s focus is on guiding the Hawks to a playoff success as the organization has produced little dent in the postseason since the arrival of the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021.
Despite this, Young reportedly was disappointed as the Hawks have not offered him a contract extension before the new season.
Former NBA player Eddie Johnson recently gave Young two cents to the Hawks’ current dilemma of offering him the next contract extension.
“They were already handed over to him on their final contract. They didn’t fight him. They gave it to you. And it paid $37, $40, $43 million. I don’t understand.
“Put up, man. Take a look at the big picture here,” Johnson told SiriusXM NBA radio.
Johnson also asked Young to focus on the big picture ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.
“The big picture is one. They’ve done it in the past so they’re not going to deal with you the way they used to. And the words from Atlanta weren’t very good about you.
“It’s how your teammates view you and how you acted. I think they’re trying to send a message to you,” he added.
Young has been the face of the franchise for the past seven seasons. Unfortunately, the results are not being obtained that are desirable for the Hawks. So maybe it’s when Young makes some sacrifices?
Young is often a social media person. Even just responding to NBA-related news and applauding his critics, Young has done it in the past.
However, Johnson hopes that young people will “accept” the current situation and avoid being immature.
“I think he should accept that, don’t get immature, start sending tweets and start doing it all.
“You kick and scream, and you won’t go your way any time soon, so when everyone knows, you’re going to get rewarded,” Johnson concluded.
Currently, Young is eligible to receive a four-year, $228.6 million extension from the Hawks. However, organizations can take the time to offer transactions by June 2026.