The Atlanta Hawks have yet to present All-Star guard Trae Young with a contract extension, according to <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA insider Marc Spears of ESPN. Despite being eligible for a four-year contract worth $229 million, Young has expressed disappointment that the team has not initiated discussions.
At 26 years old, Young, who averaged 24.2 points and 11.6 assists last season, can become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. As days pass without progress, concerns grow about the Hawks’ commitment to securing their cornerstone player, especially after the team’s ninth-place finish in the Eastern Conference and early play-in tournament exit.
Russell Westbrook’s Prospects with Miami Heat Are Dimming
Speculation has linked Russell Westbrook to the Miami Heat in free agency, but reports suggest no substantive interest is developing. Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel notes that Westbrook appears to be seeking a role on a contender where he can contribute meaningfully, a scenario that Miami may not currently offer.
Westbrook would likely rank behind Tyler Herro, Norman Powell, and Davion Mitchell on the Heat’s depth chart. Furthermore, integrating a player of Westbrook’s salary could create complications related to the team’s salary cap and luxury tax situations. Presently, the connection between Westbrook and Miami shows little momentum.
Norman Powell’s Unique Training Situation
Miami’s recent acquisition, Norman Powell, is already in South Florida but is not training with the Heat’s main group. Instead, he is working out with the Jamaican national team at Florida Atlantic University. Powell shared his surprise over the arrangement:
“I was expecting camp to be in Jamaica, then I learned it was in Boca,”
Powell said, via the Miami Herald.
“Then I got traded to the Heat. So now I’m here and looking for a place to stay.”
—Norman Powell, Miami Heat Guard
Richaun Holmes Commits to European Club Panathinaikos
Richaun Holmes has agreed to join Panathinaikos, a top Greek basketball club, reports Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. This agreement positions Holmes among the highest-paid players competing in Europe.
Holmes, 31, appeared in 31 games for the Washington Wizards last season, averaging 7.4 points and 5.7 rebounds. After being waived in June, he avoided a guaranteed $13.3 million salary for the 2025-26 season. Interest from other EuroLeague teams, including Fenerbahce, allowed Holmes to choose Panathinaikos, which emerged as the most aggressive suitor.
The Athens-based club had previously missed out on signing Jonas Valanciunas, making Holmes a key addition to strengthen their roster.
Impact and Outlook for Westbrook and the Hawks
The ongoing hesitation from the Hawks to extend Trae Young reflects deeper uncertainty around team direction, potentially affecting their competitive window before Young’s eligibility for unrestricted free agency. Meanwhile, Westbrook’s free agency status appears complex, with Miami unlikely to be a landing spot, underscoring the challenges he faces in finding a fitting role.
Powell’s current training away from the Heat’s main squad and Holmes’ move to Europe signal notable shifts within NBA rosters and player trajectories this offseason, while the Hawks’ contract stance raises questions about their long-term plans.