Trae Young stepped onto State Farm Arena Tuesday, the first time in Atlanta since the Wizards acquired him in a January blockbuster trade. The point guard, still nursing a sprained right knee and quadriceps contusion, spent the evening in the visiting locker room, watching the Hawks host Washington from the bench. He smiled, noting the unfamiliar surroundings today.

Young, a four‑time All‑Star who led Atlanta to the 2021 Eastern Conference final, has not played in nearly two months. Washington Wizards officials appear content to let him rehab, prioritising a high draft pick rather than rushing a return. When asked if he expects to suit up this season, Young deferred to doctors, saying the plan “is going good so far.”

He thanked fans with a heart‑shaped hand sign during a tribute video, and coach Quin Snyder praised Young’s contributions, wishing him well in Washington. While the Atlanta Hawks have moved on, trading CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert for Young, the Wizards now pair him with Anthony Davis and a promising young core. Young’s rehab progress will determine his role in the Wizards’ upcoming campaign.