Trae Young can make nearly $100 million in the upcoming NBA season alone.
The Atlanta Hawks star guard still awaits a contract extension and was “disappointed” not to receive a contract from his team this summer, according to Marc Spears. He took the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, and is a four-time All-Star.
Young could become a free agent next offseason if he opts out of his $49 million player option. In doing so, he can make nearly $100 million.
Trae Young can become eligible for a $315 million contract this season
Young, who made the All-NBA third team last season, can become eligible for a contract worth more than $300 million next season. He’d have to make an All-NBA team again to do so.
NBA Insider Jake Fischer explained for Bleacher Report, “If Trae Young is able to fully maximise this roster that is around him, he’s gonna be eligible for a five-year, I think it’s around $315 million, if he achieves All-NBA status, which he has done previously.
“That would make his four-year $229 million max extension right now, far, far less advantageous if he is able to play his way into that All-NBA conversation and that five-year $300 million+ deal.
“This actually does serve to Trae Young’s benefit to some degree… While there’s no extension coming right now, and while any player would certainly want a guaranteed $229 million to be offered to you come August, there’s plenty of benefit for Trae Young to play this out.”
Young may be disappointed not to receive his contract this summer, but with a great season, he can earn himself nearly $100 million more. And with the Hawks’ sky-high expectations, he can achieve that.
The Atlanta Hawks can make the NBA Finals
The Hawks were one of the biggest winners in NBA free agency. They pulled off an incredible trade on draft day, taking the New Orleans Pelicans’ 2026 unprotected first-round pick and 2025 23rd pick in return for their 13th pick.
They added Kristaps Porzingis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and with their young roster of talent, they can compete in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
Jayson Tatum’s injury rules the Boston Celtics out of contention, and the NBA finalists Indiana Pacers are without Tyrese Haliburton for the year.
The Milwaukee Bucks made a desperate move for Myles Turner in order to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, but their roster is thin.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers are in the midst of an injury crisis. Huge question marks lie at the door of their MVP, Joel Embiid, in terms of his knee surgery recovery.
Led by Young, the Hawks should feel like this is a year they can make the NBA Finals. And if Atlanta has that type of season, Young could well earn himself that huge contract.