Trae Young sparks rumors of anger over lack of contract extension

After Atlanta Hawks All-Star Trae Young described the early season loss as embarrassingsome wondered if the eight-year pro was entering the 2025-26 campaign with a chip on his shoulder caused by the anger over his contract extension. however, Young entered the season with high hopes for the Hawks, stating that it is the most talented NBA roster he has ever been on.

Still, Young resolved his contractual situationsaying it’s not a cause for concern in the early stages of the regular season, according to Ohm Jangmisuk of ESPN.

“I think it’s going to be great. I’m not worried about that,” Young told ESPN when asked about entering the season without an extension. “As much as I want to, it’s not all in my hands, and I can’t control everything. I can only control the present. And I know that if we win, everybody eats… I understand what winning can do.”

“If things don’t go my way, injuries, health and things out of my control, maybe it’s the man above telling me there’s another plan for me. I’m focused on making sure all my guys, including Quin (Snyder), are taken care of and succeed.”

Winning remains Young’s primary focus. After Atlanta missed the playoffs last season, Trey sees a path for the Hawks to reach the upper echelon of this season’s open Eastern Conference. Young is in the fourth year of a five-year, $215.2 million contract with a $48.9 million option for the 2026-27 season.

Trae Young took the Hawks’ season-opening loss seriously

Hawks All-Star Trae Young was unhappy with his team’s performance in a 138-1118 loss to the Raptors. It wasn’t an ideal way to start the season, and Young didn’t hold back in his availability to the media after the game.

“I don’t think there’s too many positives you take from tonight,” Young said after the game. “Obviously, the result was what it was, and it’s a shame the way we started it.”

For Young, the loss was a byproduct of lack of access.

“A lot of it comes from carrying over the preseason,” Young said. “We didn’t really play, all five of us, and you can tell by the continuity we have outside, and it wasn’t right. It’s part of the NBA: the cream always rises to the top. We have time to catch up and we have to go.”

The Hawks will face the Bulls on Monday.