Trae Young spoke at length about his trade with the Washington Wizards during a press conference on Friday, January 9, highlighting his excitement to join the organization. “For me, being able to have an impact on my teammates and the 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 do this with these young guys here, I feel like I have more experience and more things that I can give to these young guys,” he said. Young added that he sees the Wizards market as a platform to be himself. “DC is overlooked as a big market in the NBA. I feel like I have the opportunity to be myself.”
Wizards general manager Will Dawkins praised Young’s competitiveness and ability to take teammates to the next level. “Trae has been a force since he entered the league on 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 staying aligned with Washington’s long-term rebuilding strategy.
Young also discussed his approach to outside criticism. “I’m comfortable in my own skin. I know who I am… whatever comes out, I just let it slide because I know the people around me really understand,” 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’ve always been taught 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 will feel even more real the first time I put it on and walk out.” He also returned to number three, which he wore as a freshman in high school.
While discussing his goals, Young emphasized daily improvement and mentorship. “I just want to get the best out of these young guys … and hopefully make some of these other guys into All-Stars as well. My legacy probably has nothing to do with basketball. It’s more about the kids I inspire.”
Dawkins recalled how Young grew from high school to college and to the NBA. “He’s always in the gym… he’s a basketball junkie. It’s all about basketball, family and faith,” he said, underscoring the confidence that made this transaction 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 and sits at 10-27 in the Eastern Conference. He plans to fully integrate once he is ready to play, with the goal of taking both the team and the culture of the organization to the next level.
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