Trae Young’s future with the Atlanta Hawks has been a subject of discussion for the past few days.
The 26-year-old became eligible to sign a max-contract with the Atlanta Hawks last week, but is yet to agree to a deal with the franchise.
ESPN’s Marc Spears reported that Trae Young was disappointed that a contract had not been offered.
He had been involved in talks to bring free agents like Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard to the team. But despite his efforts, the new front office of the Hawks has not yet made their decision on what contract they want to offer their franchise star.
The four-time All-Star is on the fourth year of his five-year $215 million contract and has a player option after the 2025-26 season.
If the Hawks delay offering him a deal and Young opts to enter free agency, there are two stars that he could likely pair up with.
The LA Lakers are likely to enter the post LeBron James era after the 2025-26 season as he opted to pick his player option on his contract.
This means that James could leave the Lakers at the end of next season and leave the team with space to add another star player.
They also have a decision to make about Austin Reaves’ future, but if Young is available in free agency, they could decide to move away from their undrafted player.
There will be problems with him fitting alongside Luka Doncic, but the Slovenian has played with quality point guards like Kyrie Irving and Jalen Brunson before.
Young is certainly most impactful when he has the ball, but with Doncic on his team, the one-time All-NBA selection can affect the game in other ways.
He is a gifted shooter and with all the attention that Doncic attracts, Young could use that to his advantage and increase his scoring.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been one of the best teams in the Western Conference over the last two seasons.
They have made two consecutive Western Conference Finals appearances, but seem to lack the quality to advance further.
Anthony Edwards has done his best for the team, but it is time for the Timberwolves to look at another option alongside him and that could be Young.
Edwards can thrive playing alongside a point guard and Young is one of the best passers in the league, which is why them pairing together would make the Timberwolves a difficult side to beat.
The team also has some quality centers, whom Young can play off as he is brilliant in pick and rolls.
| Season | Assists |
| 2024-25 | 11.6 |
| 2023-24 | 10.8 |
| 2022-23 | 10.2 |
His ability to throw lobs is also well known, and with players like Edwards and Naz Reid, who can finish well around the rim, Young could be just the player the Timberwolves need.
However, they are a side that does not have a lot of room in cap space and if they are to bring someone like Young, it will require them to trade away one or maybe even two of their players.
