Trae Young’s Emotional Farewell to Atlanta Hawks
WASHINGTON – Tears streamed down Trae Young’s face as he drove to the Atlanta Hawks’ arena on Wednesday, knowing this might be his final visit.
Although sidelined by injury, Young took some sentimental shots on the court before the Hawks faced off against the New Orleans Pelicans. The news of his trade to the Washington Wizards broke during the game, marking a pivotal moment for the four-time NBA All-Star. He departed the State Farm Arena for the last time, stepping into a new chapter with the Wizards.
“Driving to the arena in Atlanta hit me hard,” Young shared with Andscape. “From my conversations with my agent, I anticipated that I might get traded that night. I found myself crying on the way, realizing it was probably my last drive to the arena since the Hawks were headed on a West Coast trip.”
Young officially moved to the Wizards on Friday, traded in exchange for veteran guards CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. Drafted fifth overall in 2018, he has averaged 25.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 9.8 assists over 493 regular-season games. His most significant accomplishment with the Hawks was leading the team to the Eastern Conference finals in 2021. This season, he has averaged 19.3 points and 8.9 assists across ten games but has missed several due to a quad contusion and knee sprain.
Young, who is in the fourth year of a five-year, $215 million contract with an option for $49 million next season, was not offered a contract extension by the Hawks prior to the trade. There are hopes that he and the Wizards will reach a contract extension agreement during the offseason. The young and rebuilding Wizards, with a record of 10-27 this season, have not made the postseason since 2021.
Young believes that his arrival in Washington can be mutually beneficial. “I want to help revive this city as much as I hope it will help me,” he said. “I want to make a significant impact everywhere I go.”
In an exclusive Q&A with Andscape, Young reflects on his time with the Hawks, his feelings about the trade, and his aspirations with the Wizards, emphasizing his desire to leave Atlanta on a positive note and looking ahead to his future.
