Trae Young’s long and emotional run with the Atlanta Hawks officially came to an end on Wednesday, Jan. 7, in a moment no one inside State Farm Arena expected. After spending his entire NBA career in Atlanta, the four-time All-Star said goodbye to the franchise in the middle of a live game.
The blockbuster trade that sent Young to the Washington Wizards broke during Atlanta’s home matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, turning a regular-season night into a farewell scene that fans won’t forget.
Trae Young Says Goodbye Midgame As Trade News Breaks
While the Hawks were battling the Pelicans, a game they eventually won 117–110, word of Young’s trade surfaced late in the fourth quarter.
The 2025 NBA assists leader has been traded to the Washington Wizards in a significant 2026 deal that sent CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert to the Atlanta Hawks.
Though sidelined with a quad injury, Young was sitting on the bench when the news reached the arena.
As the reality set in, cameras caught Young standing up and sharing brief, emotional moments with Hawks staff members and team personnel. He also acknowledged fans seated near the tunnel, many of whom were filming as he made his way off the court.
Trae Young leaves mid-game after his trade announcement 🥲
He leaves the court for the final time as a Hawk… pic.twitter.com/k5EgSjQkP7
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 8, 2026
Moments later, Young walked into the tunnel, likely for the final time wearing a Hawks uniform, marking the end of a seven-and-a-half-year chapter with the franchise that bagged him following the 2018 draft and built around him.
Young Has New Challenges in Washington
Injuries largely derailed Young’s final season in Atlanta. He appeared in just 10 games, missing 29 total contests, including a 22-game absence after suffering a sprained right MCL in late October.
In limited action, Young averaged 19.3 points, 8.9 assists, and one steal in 28 minutes per game, while shooting 41.5% from the field and 30.5% from three.
Despite the abrupt ending, Young’s legacy in Atlanta is secure. He will forever be remembered for his unforgettable 2021 playoff run, when he led the Hawks past the New York Knicks and stunned the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers en route to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Now, a new challenge awaits in Washington. The Wizards are hoping Young can serve as both their offensive engine and veteran leader as they continue their rebuild.
Wizards have a young core of Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Bub Carrington, Tre Johnson, and Bilal Coulibaly in place.
The team currently sits 14th in the East at 10–26, and they will be banking on Young’s experience and playmaking to stabilize the franchise and help guide its next phase.
