Luka Doncic Cheers Trae Young Going To Wizards

Luka Dončić said he's "excited" for Trae Young after the Hawks reportedly agreed to trade the four-time All-Star to the Washington Wizards. Dončić noted "we came in together, we got traded for each other," and said he has "a lot of respect for him." The move rewrites their linked histories and lands Young on a weaker Washington roster (10-26), which dims immediate expectations while creating room for a reset. Merlin senses two paths for Young. Washington is a rough short-term landing but offers cap flexibility and a promising young center in Alex Sarr, so Young may exchange instant wins for long-term control of an offense. Dončić's own midseason trade gives him empathy; success in D.C. will hinge on coaching, surrounding shooters, and patience. Expect bumps before a new identity forms.