Trae Young Pays Tribute to Wizards Legend John Wall

As Washington Celebrates 5-Time All-Star, Young Wears Wall's Jersey on the Bench

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:15pm

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Trae Young honored former Washington Wizards star John Wall during the team's official celebration night, wearing Wall's jersey on the bench as the Wizards recognized Wall's career and franchise impact. Young, who was recently traded to the Wizards, spoke about the challenges of competing against Wall earlier in his career and the respect he has for the five-time NBA All-Star.

Why it matters

The tribute from Young, one of the league's rising young stars, highlights Wall's lasting legacy with the Wizards franchise and the respect he has earned from his peers. Wall's jersey retirement ceremony is an opportunity for the team and the city of Washington to celebrate his contributions over nine seasons with the team.

The details

During the Wizards' celebration of John Wall, Trae Young wore a Wall Wizards jersey on the bench. The moment was widely shared on social media. Wall, who was selected No. 1 overall by the Wizards in the 2010 NBA Draft, played nine seasons with the franchise and helped lead Washington to three playoff appearances. He is the Wizards' franchise leader in total assists with 5,282 and steals with 976. Wall officially retired from the NBA in August 2025.

  • The Wizards celebrated five-time NBA All-Star Wall on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, when they hosted the Milwaukee Bucks.
  • Wall's sons, Ace and Amir, served as the honorary captains for the game.

The players

Trae Young

An NBA player who was recently traded to the Washington Wizards and is currently recovering from injuries.

John Wall

A former five-time NBA All-Star who played nine seasons with the Washington Wizards and is the franchise leader in total assists and steals. Wall officially retired from the NBA in August 2025.

Will Dawkins

The general manager of the Washington Wizards.

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What they’re saying

“That's my guy, we know each other for a minute now. And so for me to be here in DC, for him having night like this, I am sure we'll have nights like this in future for him. I show support, I show love, cuz he has this place rocking. I mean it's only right we celebrate John.”

— Trae Young

“First and foremost, I want to thank all y 'all for coming out. I know it's a snowstorm and some ice outside. I want to thank … the Wizards organization for giving me an opportunity to live out my dream to make it to the NBA. Coming from Raleigh, North Carolina, all I think about was making it to 18 years old. I never thought this was possible. I love y 'all. This is my city. This is still my house. And I love y'all and thank 'all for the night.”

— John Wall

What’s next

The Wizards will continue to celebrate John Wall's legacy and impact on the franchise throughout the season, including potentially retiring his jersey number.

The takeaway

Trae Young's tribute to John Wall during the Wizards' celebration of the five-time All-Star showcases the mutual respect and admiration between the two players, even as fierce competitors on the court. Wall's jersey retirement ceremony is a chance for the Wizards and their fans to honor the franchise's all-time great and the lasting impact he had on the team and the city of Washington.