Trae Young made headlines by opting out of the Michael Jordan Brand’s 40th anniversary event in Greece, a gathering that included stars like Luka Dončić and Bam Adebayo. Instead of attending this significant celebration with the Jordan Brand’s Board of Greatness, Young prioritized his responsibilities with the Atlanta Hawks, highlighting where his focus currently lies.
His absence was not due to any conflict with the Jordan Brand but reflected a deliberate decision to prioritize his NBA team. ESPN’s Marc J. Spears clarified,
“Trae has shown his commitment to Atlanta by actually turning down an opportunity to be with Jordan Brand in Greece… he went to Vegas to be with the team.”
—Marc J. Spears, NBA Insider
The Jordan Brand event coincided directly with the Hawks’ Summer League activities in Las Vegas, forcing Young to choose between two major commitments. He opted to support his team in person at the Summer League and engage with the organization’s new front office personnel.
Spears added that, despite the significance of the Jordan Brand event, Young prioritized team presence over brand accolades, saying,
“But right now there’s not really any substantive talks in terms of an extension at the moment.”
—Marc J. Spears, NBA Insider
Young’s decision to remain involved in team affairs during the offseason, even without finalized contract discussions, signals his dedication to the Hawks franchise. His engagement in Las Vegas also included visible court-side support during a game between Atlanta and Phoenix, where his playful remarks captured fans’ attention.
Implications for Trae Young’s Long-Term Role with the Hawks
Young’s absence from the Jordan Brand event and his visible commitment to the Hawks come amid an ongoing contract situation. The 26-year-old point guard is currently in the fourth year of his five-year, $215.1 million contract, holding a player option for the final season. Negotiation details remain sparse as both sides consider their next steps.
During the 2024-25 season, Young delivered one of his best performances, leading the entire NBA in assists with an average of 11.6 per game and setting a franchise record by accumulating 880 total assists. His offensive skills and playmaking proved essential for Atlanta’s on-court success.
Young also achieved remarkable individual feats last season, including becoming the first player since John Stockton in 1990 to record three games with at least 20 points and 20 assists. Additionally, he set a new milestone by becoming the only player to ever surpass 30 points, 20 assists, and five three-pointers in a single game.
Despite these accomplishments, the contract outlook remains uncertain. With only one guaranteed year left on Young’s deal and a player option thereafter, the Hawks face crucial decisions on whether to pursue a long-term extension or explore alternative roster configurations.
His choice to forego the prestigious Jordan Brand celebration to maintain close ties with the team during Summer League sends a strong signal. This commitment reflects not only his current loyalty to Atlanta but also potentially lays the groundwork for more serious extension talks in the near future.
What Trae Young’s Offseason Priorities Suggest About His Commitment
Trae Young’s decision to prioritize team activities over brand obligations underscores his intention to solidify his role within the Hawks organization. By staying actively involved with the team during offseason events and front office transitions, he demonstrates a dedication beyond on-court performance.
While contract negotiations have yet to reach a significant milestone, Young’s actions reveal a steady focus on the Hawks’ future. His commitment during this critical period suggests that he is interested in building a lasting relationship with the franchise rather than seeking immediate individual recognition.
This approach not only earns respect from teammates and management but also gives Atlanta a stronger position as they consider committing to their star point guard over the long term. How these discussions unfold will significantly impact the team’s lineup and strategy moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did adidas drop Trae Young?
A. Trae Young is now signed with Jordan Brand for his sneakers, ending his previous association with adidas.