Trae Young’s return to State Farm Arena carried enormous emotional weight for both the former Hawks franchise cornerstone and the Atlanta fanbase that watched him develop into one of the NBA’s premier point guards. The Washington Wizards guard was making his first appearance back in Atlanta since the shocking trade that sent him to the nation’s capital in a move that reshaped both franchises.
Young spent the first eight years of his NBA career in Atlanta. He was selected fifth overall in the 2018 draft by the Dallas Mavericks and then traded to Atlanta. He made a solid impact later on, becoming the face of the franchise and leading the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021.
His departure marked the end of an era in Atlanta, making tonight’s homecoming one of the most emotionally charged regular-season games of the year.
What Did Trae Young Say to Atlanta Hawks Fans?
Trae Young took to social media ahead of his return to Atlanta to address the fans who supported him throughout his tenure with the Hawks. His message reflected the deep connection he built with the city during his time as the franchise’s cornerstone and acknowledged the bittersweet nature of returning as an opponent.
“I just wanted the Hawks fans to know how much I love and appreciate them …,” Young said. “Getting drafted, obviously the (draft night) trade … I still found a way to make a name for myself, make a name for my team, and try to put this city on the map where people were talking about us.”
“You can’t do that without the fans. The fans showed us so much love throughout the years that I was here, even the years that we was down. It felt like there was still a lot of love. So, I’ve got so much love for this city and these fans,” he added.
During his eight seasons with the Hawks, Young established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic offensive players. He made four All-Star teams in Atlanta, led the league in assists multiple times, and became known for his deep three-point range and exceptional playmaking ability.
The 2021 Eastern Conference Finals run remains the highlight of Young’s Hawks tenure, with his playoff performances earning him hero status in Atlanta. His ability to deliver in clutch moments and embrace the pressure of being a franchise player endeared him to the fanbase.
For Atlanta fans, seeing Young in a Wizards uniform will be jarring, but his message demonstrates the class and appreciation that defined his time with the franchise. The mutual respect between player and city remains evident even as they’ve gone their separate ways.
