The Atlanta Hawks’ front office made plenty of noise this offseason, adding pieces to strengthen their roster and send a message of intent to star guard Trae Young. But as much as Atlanta worked to reshape its team, one thing they didn’t do was offer Young the four-year, $229 million extension he became eligible for.
Instead, reports suggest the Hawks want to see how Young performs alongside forward Jalen Johnson before making any long-term commitments.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Hawks are eager to evaluate the on-court chemistry between the two before deciding on their future. Johnson, a versatile swingman drafted in 2021, flashed significant potential last season but was limited to just 36 games after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury.
For Atlanta, seeing how the Young–Johnson pairing develops could define the direction of the franchise over the next several years.
Atlanta’s moves this summer made headlines. Kristaps Porzingis was brought in to replace Clint Capela, adding a more versatile big man to complement Young’s pick-and-roll game. The Hawks also signed Luke Kennard, a reliable shooter, and drafted Asa Newell, adding youth and depth to the frontcourt. Nickeil Alexander-Walker arrived via sign-and-trade, giving the team another two-way guard.
The Hawks already have promising pieces in place. Dyson Daniels, the reigning Most Improved Player, and Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick in 2024, round out a young core expected to take another leap forward.
In theory, this is a roster designed to elevate Young, spread the floor, and give him multiple scoring and playmaking options.
But front office officials have made it clear that Young’s partnership with Johnson is the one they are watching most closely.
At 6-foot-9, Johnson brings the size, versatility, and defensive upside that Atlanta has lacked on the wing in recent years. He averaged 16.0 points and 8.7 rebounds per game before his injury, showing flashes of becoming a two-way star.
The Hawks believe Johnson’s ability to defend multiple positions and run the floor can balance Young’s offense-first approach.
If the chemistry works, the Hawks could have a dynamic one-two punch to build around for the long term. If not, it might force the franchise into a difficult decision about how much to invest in Young.
For Young, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Since entering the league in 2018, he has cemented himself as one of the NBA’s premier offensive talents, averaging 25.5 points and 9.5 assists per game for his career.
But team success has been inconsistent. Outside of their surprise run to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals, the Hawks have struggled to sustain momentum.
Rumors have already surfaced about the Orlando Magic monitoring Young’s situation should he become unhappy in Atlanta. Still, reports suggest the Hawks have no intention of facilitating a trade and remain committed to seeing if Young can be the centerpiece of a contending team.
The 2025-26 season may be the most pivotal of Trae Young’s career. The Hawks want to know if pairing him with a healthy Jalen Johnson unlocks the team’s full potential. If it does, Young could secure his max extension and Atlanta’s long-term future.
If not, the Hawks may be forced to reconsider the direction of the franchise, and possibly the future of their star point guard.
