Trae Young Untouchable as Hawks Extend Dyson Daniels

Merlin sees Atlanta standing firm: the Hawks aren’t trading Trae Young this season, according to Brett Siegel — "At no point has Atlanta considered trading Young" — and hope to find "common ground" on a new deal next offseason. That matters because Young remains the team’s offensive engine, and Atlanta believes this core can push for a top‑four seed in the East. With Dyson Daniels extended through 2030 and Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu under multi‑year deals, plus Kristaps Porziņģis having "left the door open," the Hawks mix young defense with elite playmaking. Merlin senses a quiet alchemy at work: if chemistry and health hold, this calculated gamble could make Atlanta a dark horse; if not, questions about roster fit will return.