Photo: Peter Baba

Trae Young may be a star in Atlanta, but his roots in Oklahoma still run deep.

Born and raised in Norman, the 26-year-old guard grew up just 20 miles from downtown Oklahoma City and played college ball for the Oklahoma Sooners, making him deeply familiar with the city’s basketball culture.

As the Thunder chase a title in this year’s NBA Finals, Young finds himself watching with both admiration and motivation.

“It’s even more motivating for me,” he said during a local sponsor event in OKC on Wednesday. “I want to win a championship bad. But the fact that it’s in my city and I’m just watching it now… if you thought I wanted it bad before, it’s even worse now.”

While proud of Oklahoma City’s rise, Young’s comments hinted at a longing to replicate that energy in Atlanta.

“Hopefully we’re here playing the Thunder next year, and I’m not having this (event) here in OKC. So, we have this party there in Atlanta. I love Atlanta.”

Young’s passion for bringing a title to the Hawks remains strong, despite recent struggles.

The team has failed to make the postseason the last two years, and hasn’t advanced past the first round since its surprising run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021.

Still, Young sees a foundation being built, starting with 2024’s No. 1 overall draft pick.

“We had the No. 1 pick (Zaccharie Risacher) last year that made strides and almost won Rookie of the Year, got second,” Young said. “We have a lot of young, young, really good players. We have a great coach. We have a lot of stuff, and we have a big summer ahead, for sure.”

Whether he’s cheering for his hometown team or building something in Atlanta, one thing is clear: Trae Young wants to win, and he’s determined to be the one leading that charge.

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