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Hawks Pause Trae Young Extension to Assess Fit With Jalen Johnson

New additions — Kristaps Porziņģis, Luke Kennard, Nickeil Alexander-Walker — frame the evaluation that will shape Atlanta’s long-term course.

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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 08: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks celebrates in the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on February 08, 2025 in Washington, DC.
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Oct 27, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Atlanta will prioritize extended looks at the Trae YoungJalen Johnson pairing before making big-picture decisions, per reporting relayed by Marc Stein.
  • The team has not offered Young the four-year, roughly $229 million extension for which he became eligible this offseason.
  • Roster upgrades include Porziņģis at center for pick-and-pop versatility, Kennard for spacing, and Alexander-Walker as a two-way guard.
  • Johnson was limited to 36 games last season by a torn labrum in his shoulder, heightening the need to see the duo together at full health.
  • Outside interest in Young has been reported, including monitoring by Orlando, yet current signals indicate Atlanta is not pursuing a trade at this time.