The NBA trade market is a wild place, but Trae Young just dropped a bombshell that every Hawks fan needs to hear. Just a few months after agreeing to a four-year, $212 million contract with the Washington Wizards, the star guard indicates he is willing to return to Atlanta. Speaking to Yahoo Sports, he expressed a desire to part ways with his previous team amicably, despite the January trade that moved CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert to the Hawks.
Leaving on Good Terms
Byron Turner hosted Young on the Baller Alert show, where the player discussed his sentiments candidly. He admitted that he does not want bad blood with the city or the fans who supported him for eight years. “But it’s all good, though. That’s why I wanted to leave, you know what I’m saying, on the right terms. And sometimes breakups are meant to happen, but just how they go down is what’s most important,” Trae Young said. This quote proves he knows that how you exit a situation matters more than the exit itself.
The Hawks traded Luka Doncic on draft night in 2018 just to land Young, a move that defined an era for the franchise. He played 493 regular season games there, averaging 25.2 points and 9.8 assists before the split. Now he is in D.C. with Anthony Davis and AJ Dybantsa, but he still calls Atlanta another home. He made it clear that his ten toes are currently in Washington, yet he refuses to burn the bridge behind him.
A Future Return Plan
Many fans thought the trade left a sour taste in Young’s mouth, but his words suggest a different story. He explained that he accepted he could not win without a superstar name in Atlanta during his prime years. According to this reasoning, he would not come back immediately, but instead return only when choosing to end his career and retire his sneakers. That timeline could be a decade away, but the door is definitely not locked.
Per Yahoo Sports, Young emphasized that the NBA is unpredictable and he plans on playing for a long time. The idea of a reunion near the end of his career is now a real possibility for the Hawks front office. The numbers show he was a four-time All-Star who shot 43.2% from the field, so his value remains high even as he ages.
The Smartest Move in the League
Young’s approach is the most mature thing he has done since the trade rumors started swirling. He wants to excel in D.C. first, but he keeps the door open for a future homecoming. The Hawks need to listen closely because a player who wants to end his career in Atlanta is a rare find. This isn’t just talk; it is a clear signal that he values his legacy over a quick grudge.
Atlanta fans should stay ready because Trae Young might just circle back to State Farm Arena one day. The trade sent McCollum and Kispert away, but it did not send away the connection Young feels to the city. He said he loves his town and feels Atlanta is another home, which is a powerful statement for any franchise. The next chapter for the Wizards is now, but the final chapter for Young could be right here in Georgia.
