While the lights were shining in Greece and some of the NBA’s biggest stars were basking in the glow of Michael Jordan’s legacy. One of the league’s top point guards chose a different route. Not Athens, or Jordan. Instead, he picked Vegas, he picked Atlanta. In a summer filled with glitzy brand events and lavish retreats, it was the absence of one name that spoke loudest.

Amidst a who’s-who gathering of Jordan Brand royalty, Luka Dončić, Bam Adebayo, Rui Hachimura, Carmelo Anthony, and even NFL MVP Jalen Hurts, Trae Young was nowhere to be seen. Young’s absence from Jordan’s “Board of Greatness” celebration wasn’t due to scheduling conflict or injury. It was intentional, symbolic, and a clear a message. According to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears, Young made the decision to skip the Jordan Brand event in Greece to be with his team. And new front office in Vegas, sending a strong signal about where his priorities lie.

Spears’ comment paints a clear picture of Trae Young’s mindset this offseason. Young made a deliberate choice to stay away from the glitz and glamour. Instead of attending a once-in-a-career opportunity Young flew to Las Vegas to be with the Atlanta Hawks’ Summer League squad and new front office leadership. “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,” Spears reported.

In a summer that was tailor-made for brand-building and global exposure, Trae Young passed on personal gain to prioritize his team. While Luka Doncic enjoyed the spotlight as Jordan Brand’s centerpiece and Bam Adebayo mingled with legends, Young chose to grind behind the scenes, staying close to his franchise during a transitional period. His actions reflected not just loyalty to Atlanta, but a deep sense of leadership. 

Young didn’t need the cameras or the clout, he needed to be with his team. That’s what franchise players do. But that commitment hasn’t (yet) been returned with pen-to-paper results. Young, 26, is eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension this offseason. But as of now, no significant progress has been made between Young and the Hawks on that front. 

What is the future of Trae Young on the Hawks roster?

According to Marc Spears, Trae Young’s connection to the Atlanta Hawks goes beyond just showing up, it’s personal, strategic, and hands-on. Spears reveals that before the Hawks made their offseason moves, Young had real concerns about the direction of the franchise. He was nervous about the organization’s future. But that changed with the arrival of Kristaps Porziņģis. That move sparked something in him.

Young didn’t just sit back and watch the front office work, became part of it. Spears says Young actively recruited Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard to join the team, pitching them on Atlanta’s vision, selling the franchise, and even selling the coaching staff. That’s the kind of role you don’t typically see from a player unless he’s fully invested. Young clearly believes in this group. He sees potential, a path back to real contention if they can stay healthy.

But there’s still one big question hanging over all of it: what happens with his contract extension? “He has a potential four-year, $229 million extension…But right now, there’s not really any substantive talks in terms of an extension at the moment.” Spears reported. So, now that question looms large over a franchise that has gone two straight seasons without a playoff appearance. Despite Young’s leadership, elite playmaking, and consistent offensive output, the team’s inability to win consistently has created doubt about long-term direction.

Last season, Young averaged 24.2 points and a league-best 11.6 assists while shooting 41.1% from the field and 34.0% from three. Still, Atlanta finished 40-42 and missed the playoffs for the second year in a row. That hurt his All-NBA case and, as a result, removed his eligibility for a supermax. Still, $229 million is on the table. And still, it sits untouched. Atlanta’s front office has already made some serious moves this offseason under new GM Onsi Saleh. The additions of Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard show clear intent to build around Young. The Hawks want to be competitive now. Young wants to win now. And yet, as of mid-July, there’s no clear indication that the franchise and its franchise player are fully aligned on the long-term future. There’s no question about where Young stands.  But will Atlanta stand with him?