Bobby Marks believes the Atlanta Hawks have a big reason why they won’t immediately offer Trae Young a contract extension.
The Atlanta Hawks have done a lot of brilliant work this offseason. After years of having a middling roster, the Hawks look like legitimate contenders once again.
One of their big moves to start their rebuild came just days before the draft. The Hawks landed Kristaps Porzingis in a three-team trade, marking a huge upgrade over the exiting Clint Capela.
The Hawks also landed Nickeil Alexander-Walker in a sign-and-trade. It was clear these moves were being made to convince Trae Young of the Hawks’ bright future.
Despite going all out to impress him, the Hawks haven’t extended Trae Young’s contract. And if Bobby Marks is correct, negotiations between the two sides could take a long time.
Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty ImagesAtlanta Hawks will evaluate new roster before offering extension
Former Brooklyn Nets assistant GM Bobby Marks appeared on NBA Today to discuss the current situation between Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks.
Marks believes the Hawks are playing the long game and want to see the competitiveness of this roster before locking down Trae Young’s future with the team.
“I think the flexibility starts with the newness of this roster. Although it looks good on paper, we don’t know how good this Atlanta team potentially could be when you look at it.
“I think, if you’re willing to commit long-term, what does this roster exactly look like? I think you want a better feel.
“I think this is going to be a slow play as far as where both sides are going to go. I do think there’s a middle ground, as far as reaching that commitment here.
“But I do think from Atlanta’s perspective, you’re thinking, ‘Wait a minute. Let’s see how this roster fits before we’re willing to commit long-term to Trae Young.’”
Trae Young will feel frustrated about current situation
It’s hard not to feel for Trae Young in all of this. Despite being the best Hawks player in years, the franchise doesn’t seem to have faith in him.
The last few years have been difficult for Young, as he has been tasked with carrying a less-than-stellar Hawks squad. Their lack of success is now being pinned on him.
We’ve seen how good Young can be with a strong roster around him. Despite some big flaws on the roster, Young led the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021.
Not getting a new contract, after your peer, Luka Doncic, did on the back of a similar resume, is quite disheartening.
Former NBA star Eddie Johnson urged Trae Young to stay patient. For now, it appears the former All-Star has no choice but to wait for the Hawks.