Trae Young Rumors

But the recruitment process of free agents like Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard—I know you personally reached out to both of those guys. Did you have a relationship with either of them? And if so—or if not—what was that recruitment conversation or process like for you as a leader of the Hawks? Trae Young: Yeah, no—I mean, I talked to both of them on the phone. I was able to talk to them. I’ve known them for years. I mean, being in this game, you connect with guys throughout the years, so I’ve known both of those guys for years. But yeah, I reached out to both of them and we were able to connect. Obviously, they both had options, but I wanted them on my team, and I know they would make our team better. So we were able to talk and make it happen. I'm happy that they’re on my team—we made it work.

YouTube

Oh No He Didn't: Marc Spears: "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...but right now there's not really any substantive talks in terms of an extension at the moment"

x.com

NBA on ESPN: "Security's a little loose around here. [The fans] can really touch us." —Trae Young on fan interactions at summer league 😂

Twitter

On Saturday morning, Jordan Brand gave the world a sneak peek at its first-ever musical. While the 30-second video does not explain everything, it sets the tone for what is to come. According to Jordan Brand, the visual is all rhythm, confidence, and control. It hints at a bigger story, one that unfolds fully next week on July 19. For now, it's a glimpse into the mindset behind "Too Easy," the musical presented by Jordan Brand.

Sports Illustrated

Fans will spot NBA and WNBA stars in the trailer. Bam Adebayo, Paolo Banchero, Chris Paul, Trae Young, and Gabby Williams are among the hoopers who are set to star in the musical.

Sports Illustrated

“I wouldn't say I've showcased everything I've got [yet],” Daniels added to ClutchPoints. “I think I've got so much more in me to improve on, but the defensive side of the game, it was something I've always had and I think it really just started to pop this year with my minutes increasing, the role increasing, and just getting a fresh start in Atlanta. “I was able to come here and play alongside Trae Young. He made my life a lot easier and our games kind of really complement each other. Him on the offensive end, me on the defensive end helping him out, so I think for me, it's just about coming into Atlanta with the right mindset, ready to kind of turn the page. I wasn't happy with how my two years went in New Orleans, so I was happy with how this year went, but I feel like I could win Most Improved Player again. It'll be another goal of mine going into year.”

Clutch Points

The deal also has a player option for Banchero in 2030-31 -- the first time a rookie max extension has had a player option since 2021, when Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks) and Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks) completed their rookie max contracts.

ESPN

"The Trae Young thing was fascinating, because there were some people who, around the edges, were hoping that a Trae Young for Zach LaVine-type trade might happen with Atlanta. And the Kings had no interest in that, largely because they're not looking to have the head of the snake be that weak defensively."

YouTube

This marks the second consecutive strong offseason for Atlanta, whose direction crystallized around Young with these moves. But will they keep him long term? Starting on July 6, Young is eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension that would take him into his 30s. He is entering the last guaranteed year of his contract, with a player option for the 2026-27 season. Considering how well Daniels, Risacher and Johnson play off a primary creator, this version of the Hawks will need a point guard to be the focal point of everything. Young led the NBA with 11.6 assists per game, but also embraced playing off the ball more than ever so the team could play more decisively uptempo in transition. Few players in the league are a better fit.

New York Times

Shams Charania: Hawks star Trae Young reached out to Kennard and Nickeil Alexander-Walker this evening to help recruit them to the franchise, sources said. Two big wing gets for the Hawks.

Twitter

Chris Haynes: Hawks star Trae Young was very vocal and active in recruiting Nickeil Alexander-Walker to Atlanta, sources tell me. He was heavily involved in the process to lure one of the top wing free agents on the market.

x.com

Similarly, there was a push among some power-brokers for Sacramento to go after Atlanta’s Trae Young, but league sources say the Kings didn’t have interest because of his style of play (offense-first) and cost (he’s extension-eligible this summer but is slated to earn $45.9 million next season and has a player option worth $48.9 million in 2026-27).

New York Times

What's your sense as far as the Sacramento Kings’ aggression or lack thereof going into the summer?" Sam Amick: "Yeah, I mean, I do have indications that they are looking at a lot. I don't know how much they're going to overhaul the roster, but I think they're looking at big stuff. I think they're looking at small stuff." "You know, the point guard pursuit is very real. I don’t know where they’ll land on that front. It’s kind of a, 'If only Jrue Holiday was five years younger' type thing. That kind of option has been considered and explored, but it’s imperfect because of his age." "And then if you go younger, there are a lot of Trae Young rumors. My understanding is there’s not interest there—unless it came attached to a bunch of first-round picks. So, I don’t know what the outcome will be on the point guard side."

YouTube

Trae Young: Hell nahh🤣

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