Trae Young Choked Up at Hawks Tribute

Trae Young was visibly moved by the tribute video the Atlanta Hawks showed when he returned to State Farm Arena after being traded to Washington on Jan. 7. "It's been crazy, it's been different," he said, and added, "I just wanted the Hawks fans to know how much I love and appreciate them." He did not play as he recovers from a sprained right knee and bruised quadriceps, and the Hawks beat the Wizards 119-98. Merlin sees a bittersweet homecoming. Young left Atlanta after eight seasons and four All Star nods, averaging 25.2 points and 9.8 assists there, so the love from the crowd was earned. The moment feels like emotional closure more than a new beginning, and his recovery will shape how quickly he turns that feeling into performance for Washington.