It’s hard to believe Trae Young is only 27 years old.
The 2018 NBA Draft debate over whether Young or now-Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic was the better prospect feels like ages ago - as does the Dallas Mavericks trading up with the Atlanta Hawks to claim Doncic, which landed Young in Atlanta. Even “Ice Trae” tormenting the New York Knicks en route to the Hawks making it to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals feels like another lifetime.
While Young wasn’t able to translate his four-time All-Star-level individual success into team success in Atlanta, he has a new opportunity with the Washington Wizards. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Young had Washington “as his preferred trade destination,” and the Hawks traded Young to the Wizards in early January.
At the time of the trade, Young was dealing with residual pain from an MCL sprain suffered in early November as well as a right quad contusion.
Young will finally make his Wizards debut against Utah on Thursday night, the team announced.
Young only appeared in 10 games for the Hawks before the trade. He averaged 19.3 points, 8.9 assists, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals across those games. Young has not played since Dec. 27. He departed the Hawks as the franchise leader in career assists (4,837) and made three-pointers (1,295). While the Wizards are firmly in the lottery at 16-45, Young gives a deprived fan base something to be excited about down the stretch.
The Wizards have not won more than 50 games since going 50-32 as the Baltimore Bullets in 1969-70. Washington finished with a winning record from 2013 through 2018 - the prime John Wall and Bradley Beal years - but hasn’t finished above .500 since.
This season will be yet another lost one. But with Young, All-NBA and All-Defensive big man Anthony Davis, whom the Wizards traded for in February, and 2024 No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr, next season will at least be interesting.
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