The Atlanta Hawks are making Trae Young prove he is worth a max contract this season, and he’s made a good case to be paid through four games after returning from injury.
Young is a tricky player for new GM Onsi Saleh and the front office to evaluate, as his box score and advanced statistical outputs do not justify a four-year, $229 million max deal. On the other hand, he has had very little help on either end of the floor throughout his career. This uncertainty led Saleh to delay deciding until they could see Young alongside this year’s team – which had major upgrades.