All-Star guard Trae Young spoke about his exit from the Hawks via social media on Friday, expressing disappointment in not having had the chance to «realize our full potential» in Atlanta, while also stating his «excitement» for the future ahead.
Young dedicated over seven seasons to the Hawks but sought a trade to the Washington Wizards through negotiations involving his agents and Atlanta’s general manager Onsi Saleh.
«The past few years didn’t go as I envisioned,» Young stated. «The ambitions we set for ourselves, achieving milestones that Atlanta has never achieved before.
«Winning a championship for Atlanta was always my objective. Yet, with injuries, obstacles, and circumstances that were baffling, we never really got to experience our complete potential.»
Although Young’s transition to the Wizards hasn’t been confirmed, sources informed ESPN’s Shams Charania this week that Young is moving to Washington for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert.
Young, with $95 million left on his contract, which includes a player option for the 2026-27 season, expressed his readiness to embrace a new journey beyond Atlanta.
«The discomfort of remaining unchanged ultimately overshadowed the unpredictability of transition. Change is often accompanied by apprehension, yet I view it as yet another chance,» he noted.
He departs Atlanta as the all-time leader in 3-pointers (1,295) and assists (4,837). He guided the Hawks to the playoffs three times, including an Eastern Conference finals appearance in 2021.
Young, who experienced a right MCL sprain earlier this season and continues to handle lingering pain from the injury, has recently been sidelined due to a right quad contusion. The Wizards are not anticipated to engage in immediate extension discussions with Young, and both parties will assess his health upon his arrival in Washington, sources informed Charania.
«I’m stepping into this new chapter thrilled, holding my head high and looking ahead,» Young concluded in his message. «It’s time to explore what can be achieved when the support is genuine and the vision is clear. We advance.»
