Due to a sprained right knee and quadriceps contusion, Trae Young hasn’t participated in a game since December 27. However, on January 7, he was traded from the Hawks, his team of almost eight years, to the Wizards. As he recovers from his injury, he has not yet worn a uniform for Washington.
After being traded last month, Young made his way back to Atlanta on Tuesday night. It must have been a strange experience for the four-time All-Star, who last played while wearing a Hawks jersey.
The Hawks created a memorial film for one of their biggest stars in recent club history, despite the fact that Young hasn’t been gone for very long.
As Young watched the film that featured his favorite memories of Atlanta, he brushed away his tears. At State Farm Arena, an emotional crowd gave him a standing ovation.
The Atlanta Hawks paid tribute to Trae Young ❤️ pic.twitter.com/VT6DIrAjh0
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 25, 2026
It seems like Young and the Hawks organization ended their collaboration amicably. Young is fortunate to still have strong feelings for his old team because not other NBA players can say that after being traded. However, he is aware that his position at State Farm Arena will never be the same as it was during his Hawks days.
According to Young, via ESPN:
“When you’ve been there for so long, it kind of feels like your stay is not welcomed as much anymore,”
“That’s O.K., you know what I’m saying? That’s life, no matter what we do. We play a sport that’s not necessarily fair.”
Young could have needed the final piece of acceptance to move on and concentrate on his new team, the Wizards, after Tuesday’s trip to Atlanta.
