Injured Wizards Star Trae Young Returns to Atlanta

Young thanks Hawks fans in emotional first visit since blockbuster trade

Feb. 25, 2026 at 1:21pm

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Trae Young, the former star guard of the Atlanta Hawks, returned to State Farm Arena for the first time since being traded to the Washington Wizards last month. Young, who is recovering from a sprained right knee and quadriceps contusion, did not play in the game but received a standing ovation from Hawks fans during a tribute video. Young expressed gratitude for the Hawks organization and fanbase, saying he tried to "put this city on the map" during his eight-year tenure with the team.

Why it matters

Young was the face of the Hawks franchise, leading the team to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021. However, the team failed to build on that success, leading to the blockbuster trade that sent Young to the Wizards. Young's return to Atlanta marks an emotional moment as he transitions to the next chapter of his career.

The details

Young did not play in the game as he continues his recovery from injury, but he joined the Wizards' bench and received a standing ovation from Hawks fans during a tribute video in the second quarter. Young expressed gratitude for the Hawks organization and fanbase, saying he tried to "put this city on the map" during his time with the team. The trade to the Wizards came after a season that began with high hopes for the Hawks but ended in another early playoff exit.

  • Young returned to Atlanta on Tuesday night, his first appearance in his longtime home since he was dealt to the Washington Wizards in a blockbuster trade last month.
  • Young hasn't played in nearly two months due to his sprained right knee and quadriceps contusion.

The players

Trae Young

The former star guard of the Atlanta Hawks, who was traded to the Washington Wizards last month in a blockbuster deal.

Quin Snyder

The head coach of the Atlanta Hawks, who expressed gratitude for Young's contributions to the team and franchise over the years.

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What they’re saying

“I just want Hawks fans to know how much love and appreciation I had for them from day one. I came in and found a way to make a name for myself, make a name for my team. I tried to put this city on the map, where people talked about us.”

— Trae Young (cbsnews.com)

“Speaking on everyone's behalf, we're very appreciative of what Trae has done for our team and our franchise over the year. We're grateful to him and his family for that. We just wish him well in this next phase of his career.”

— Quin Snyder, Head Coach, Atlanta Hawks (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Young is unlikely to play when the Wizards and Hawks meet again in Atlanta on Thursday, as he continues his recovery from injury. However, he expressed optimism about the Wizards' future, especially with the addition of Anthony Davis and the team's high draft pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.

The takeaway

Trae Young's return to Atlanta marks the end of an era for the Hawks franchise, as they move on from their former star player. While the trade was a difficult decision, both Young and the Hawks organization expressed gratitude for their time together and a desire for Young to succeed in the next chapter of his career with the Wizards.