Trae Young has officially embarked on a new chapter of his basketball career, flying from Atlanta to Washington, D.C. on Thursday morning as part of the Washington Wizards. The 27-year-old guard has been lighting up the fuse since his mid-July trade from the Atlanta Hawks. He departed the program as their all-time leader in three-pointers made and assists. Young did not pick up his player option for next season. He did not want to be booted out of Atlanta without compensation, but rather wanted to leave on his own terms.
Young’s path to the Wizards has proven fortuitous, as a period of transition has settled upon both him and the organization. He fought through injuries in his last season with Atlanta. This lessened both his and Kristaps Porzingis’s effectiveness in close, clutch moments. Undoubtedly, this trade marks a new, strengthening turning point for Young. He was drafted fifth overall in the 2018 NBA draft and has since averaged 25.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 9.8 assists per game for his career in 493 regular-season games.
As he left the State Farm Arena floor for the final time, Young went on to reminisce about his time spent in Atlanta. His pride was heavily rooted in the role he played in building a stronger community. Once in office, he passionately committed to doing right by the city’s children. Now, he wants to take that same spirit of support to Washington and be a chief hooper himself. Youth and vitality surge through the city, like I hope to do for it,” Young exclaimed. He has shown hope about getting a new start with the Wizards.
The move to Washington was orchestrated by Travis Schlenk, who saw the kind of changes Young could make to turn a team around. Young’s determination not to leave Atlanta empty-handed indicates a strategic mindset as he approaches this new phase of his career. Young has a $49 million player option for next season. This decision places him in the trajectory of financial success, while still allowing him the opportunity for personal and professional development.
Young quickly lifted the Hawks to the 2021 Eastern Conference finals in his first full season as a pro. This accomplishment further cemented his legacy as one of the best guards in league history. He scores and creates shots with jaw-dropping talent and has served as the team’s foundational player. His departure creates a huge void for Atlanta. Still, Young is hopeful about being part of the Wizards’ hopes in the future.
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