Trae Young Reacts After Blockbuster Hawks to Wizards Trade

Trae Young was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Washington Wizards and posted a brief reaction on X, thanking Atlanta while admitting "The last few years weren't how I wanted them to be. Expectations that we created for ourselves. Reaching heights that Atlanta has never reached before." After eight seasons, four All-Star nods and career averages of 25.2 points and 9.8 assists, Young arrives in Washington while dealing with a quad injury and an uncertain debut. The Wizards are 10-26, so immediate impact and fit matter a great deal. Merlin sees a crossroads. Washington gains a high-level creator to accelerate a young core, but Young holds a 2026-27 player option, so stability is not guaranteed. Atlanta gets veteran pieces and cap flexibility. If health and chemistry click, the Wizards’ timetable shortens; if not, this could be a brief chapter.