The Atlanta Hawks controversially declined to extend Trae Young before the offseason – a decision that has aged like fine wine.
Young has been Atlanta’s leader for the past eight seasons, both on and off the court. After a tantalizing 2021 playoff run, Young received a five-year maximum extension with a player option. The team made a series of excellent moves to support Young with talent, from drafting Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu to moving off Dejounte Murray and De’Andre Hunter at the perfect time.
These brilliant moves culminated in this season, when Young finally had the supporting talent to prove his worth to the league.