Hug Watch broke out in Atlanta on Wednesday night.
The Hawks agreed to send Trae Young to the Wizards in a blockbuster trade midway through Wednesday’s 117-100 win over the Pelicans, with an injured Young on the bench.
That led to Young’s farewell to his teammates and staff members being caught on camera.
Young, wearing a polo shirt, shook hands with what appeared to be two staff members as the FanDuel Sports Network Southeast broadcast crew took notice.
“This was the scene here at State Farm Arena just moments ago,” the broadcaster said. “Nothing official at all, but rumors are swirling about a possible trade between Atlanta….”
Young, 27, later gave a big hug to what appeared to be a fan sitting in the front row as the Hawks led 100-81 with 7:13 remaining.
In the final minute, Young retreated from the field and punched some fans in the hand as he made what may have been his final trip to the home locker room.
“Lone man in the hallway,” the broadcaster said.
The Young era in Atlanta came to an end Wednesday night with the trade that will send him to Washington in exchange for veterans CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, according to ESPN.
He appeared destined to be traded after a report emerged earlier this week stating that his agents had spoken with the Hawks about a possible split and that he was “open-minded” about leaving, the outlet said.
Atlanta gave Young a max extension, leaving him with just a $49 million player option for next season and an uncertain future with the team.
Another report emerged stating that Young preferred to be traded to the Wizards, and the two struggling teams ultimately agreed to the deal.
This season was Young’s eighth with the team, and while he provided some spectacular moments, the franchise did not become a perennial contender during his tenure.
The highlight came in 2021 when the Hawks defeated the Knicks and the Sixers before falling to the Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Hawks (18-21) haven’t won a playoff series since, falling in the first round in 2022 and 2023 and failing to qualify for the postseason the past two seasons.
He averaged 25.2 points per game and made four All-Star teams, and he played in only 10 games this year due to a right quad contusion.
Young joins a Wizards team that is once again among the NBA’s worst with a 10-26 record, but Washington is seemingly hoping he can help boost the team as it builds for the future.
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