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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.

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.