Trae Young will enter Year 4 of his five-year, $215 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks.
The Atlanta Hawks star is all set to make a massive $45.9 million for the 2025-26 NBA season. Following the upcoming season, Trae Young also has a $48.9 million player option.
Right now, Young’s focus should be on leading the Hawks to playoff success as the organization has hardly made a dent in the postseason since their 2021 Eastern Conference Finals appearance.
Despite that, Young is reportedly disappointed as the Hawks haven’t offered him a contract extension ahead of the new season.
Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesEddie Johnson has an important message for Trae Young
Former NBA player Eddie Johnson recently gave his two cents on the Hawks’ current dilemma of offering Young his next contract extension.
“They’ve already given in to him quickly on the last contract. They didn’t fight him on that one. They gave it to you. And it paid $37, $40, and $43 million. I don’t understand.
“Just be patient, man. Just look at the big picture here,” Johnson said on SiriusXM NBA radio.
Johnson also asked Young to focus on the bigger picture ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.
“The big picture is one, they’re not going to cater to you like they used to because they did it in the past, and word out of Atlanta wasn’t too good in regard to you.
“Sometimes it’s how your teammates might have viewed you and how you acted. I think they’re trying to send you a message,” he added.
Young has been the face of the franchise for the last seven seasons. Unfortunately, it hasn’t resulted in the desired results for the Hawks. So, maybe it’s time for Young to make a few sacrifices?
Trae Young shouldn’t get ‘immature,’ says Eddie Johnson
Young is someone who often engages on social media. Be it reacting to any NBA-related news or just clapping back at his critics, Young has done that in the past.
However, Johnson wants Young to ‘accept’ his current situation and avoid being immature.
“I think he should accept it. Don’t get immature and start sending out tweets, and start doing all that.
“Because you are going to kick and scream and don’t get your way right away, when everybody knows, you’re gonna get paid,” Johnson concluded.
As of now, Young is eligible to receive a four-year, $228.6 million extension from the Hawks. However, the organization can take its time as they have until June 2026 to offer the deal.