Trae Young spoke at length about his trade to the Washington Wizards during a press conference on Friday, January 9, emphasizing his excitement to join the organization. “For me, just being able to have an impact on my teammates and people around me, I feel like I did a good job with that as a young player in Atlanta,” Young said.
The four-time All-Star highlighted his opportunity to mentor Washington’s young roster. “Being able to be a vet and doing it with these young guys here, I feel like I have more experience and more things that I can give these young guys,” he said. Young added that he sees the Wizards’ market as a platform to be himself. “DC is overlooked as far as a big market in the NBA. I feel like I’m going to be able to come into an opportunity to be myself.”
Wizards general manager Will Dawkins praised Young’s competitiveness and ability to elevate teammates. “Trae’s been a force since he got in the league day one. He evolved into one of the best, elite, proven playmakers,” Dawkins said. He noted Young’s potential to accelerate the development of the team’s young core while remaining aligned with Washington’s long-term rebuilding strategy.
Young also addressed his approach to outside criticism. “I’m comfortable in my skin. I know who I am… whatever stuff comes out, I just let it slide because I know the people around me really understand it,” he explained. He added that faith and perspective guide him through challenges.
On integrating with the Wizards’ roster, Young said, “One of my favorite players growing up was Steve Nash and Chris Paul. I always learned that the ball brings energy. That’s why I love passing… that builds chemistry, that builds trust.” He specifically mentioned helping Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly, and Alex Sarr grow through daily practice and pick-and-roll execution.
Reflecting on his first experience wearing a Wizards jersey, Young described it as “surreal… it’s going to feel even more real the first time I put it on and walk out there.” He also reverted to the number three, which he wore as a freshman in high school.
Discussing his goals, Young emphasized daily improvement and mentorship. “I just want to bring the best out of these young guys… and hopefully make an All-Star too out of some of these other guys. My legacy has probably nothing to do with basketball. It’s more about the kids I inspire.”
Dawkins recalled watching Young grow from high school to college and into the NBA. “He’s always in the gym… he’s a basketball junkie. He’s all about basketball, family, and faith,” he said, underscoring the trust that made this trade an easy decision for the organization.
Young, traded to Washington in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, joins a Wizards team in rebuilding mode, sitting at 10-27 in the Eastern Conference. He plans to fully integrate once cleared to play, with the goal of elevating both the team and the organization’s culture.
