Trae Young Embraces “Another Opportunity” With the Wizards
Trae Young is turning the page on his NBA career with optimism and honesty. In a heartfelt social media post on Friday, the All-Star guard reflected on the end of his long run with the Atlanta Hawks while expressing excitement about what lies ahead. After years of high expectations and unfinished business, Young made it clear he’s ready to embrace change and chase new possibilities.
Young spent more than seven seasons in Atlanta, where he became the face of the franchise but ultimately felt the team never reached its true ceiling. He acknowledged that while the Hawks set historic goals for themselves—including his dream of delivering a championship—injuries, setbacks, and difficult circumstances prevented the group from fully realizing its potential. Those frustrations, he explained, led him to seek a fresh start.
That fresh start appears to be in Washington. Although the trade has not been officially announced, reports indicate the Hawks are expected to send Young to the Wizards in a deal centered around CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. The move came after discussions between Young’s representatives and Atlanta’s front office, signaling a mutual understanding that change was needed.
Financially, Young remains under contract with roughly $95 million left on his deal, which includes a player option for the 2026–27 season. He emphasized that choosing uncertainty over comfort wasn’t easy, but staying in the same situation became more difficult than taking a calculated risk. To Young, change represents opportunity rather than fear.
Young departs Atlanta as one of the most accomplished players in franchise history. He leaves as the Hawks’ all-time leader in three-pointers made and assists, while also guiding the team to three postseason appearances, highlighted by a trip to the Eastern Conference finals in 2021.
Health will be a key storyline moving forward. Young dealt with a right MCL sprain earlier in the season and has recently been sidelined with a quad contusion. The Wizards are expected to assess his condition upon arrival, and no immediate contract extension talks are anticipated.
Despite the uncertainty, Young made his mindset clear: he’s energized, focused, and eager to see what’s possible in the next chapter of his career.
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