The new Hawks franchise centerpiece offered his praise and appreciation to the departing Young.
No one within the Atlanta Hawks has been more appreciative of Trae Young than Jalen Johnson.
Jalen Johnson
Jalen Johnson
Jalen Johnson
MIN: 35.48
PTS: 23.68 (59.29%)
REB: 10.35
As: 8.41
ST: 1.38
BL: 0.47
TO: 3.56
GM: 34
"I mean, Trae was great," Johnson said after the Hawks' 117-100 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. "He was great to have around. Just from Day 1, he always showed me love. I’m very appreciative of the time we spent together and everything he’s done for his organization and everything he’s done for me.
"I’m excited for him and his next step in Washington."
It is now official that the Young era in Atlanta is over after it was reported that the star guard was sent to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert.
Young leaves the Hawks after eight seasons, carrying the franchise on his back since he was chosen as the No. 5 pick of the 2018 Draft.
The four-time All-Star had tons of memorable moments in Atlanta, and his leadership of the Hawks in reaching the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals will remain a compelling feat.
Yet this season, Young has struggled significantly with injuries and inconsistencies. He only appeared in 10 games, averaging decreased numbers of 19.3 points in 41.5 percent shooting.
"He was always himself, and I think I respect that most of all. He always cared about his teammates despite what everybody said. He was somebody that just loved to make everybody around him better," Johnson added about Young.
"That’s one of the things I picked up early from him."
With Young leaving Atlanta, Johnson is set to take over as the newest centerpiece of the franchise. The Hawks star is enjoying a career run this 2025-26, averaging 23.7 points, 10.3 boards and 8.4 assists.
Regardless of the end of the partnership between them, Johnson will always be appreciative of the 27-year-old's impact and contribution.
"We talked about it as a team. He said what he said, and it was kind of emotional, but that’s just the business of it," Johnson said. "I think everybody understands that at the end of the day.
"Like I said, we’re all appreciative of Trae and excited for him."
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