During his introductory press conference with the Wizards, the 27-year-old point guard said he was motivated to make an impact alongside his new teammates. Young acknowledged that his role had evolved, moving from being one of the younger stars in Atlanta to becoming a veteran presence for a developing roster.

“Just being able to have an impact on my teammates,” Young said. “I feel like I did a good job of that as a young player in Atlanta, so now being able to be a vet with these young guys here is something I really value.”

The Wizards currently feature a young core led by Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly, and Alex Sarr. For the four-time All-Star, landing in Washington represented an opportunity to help guide a group still searching for consistency and long-term direction.

The situation of Trae Young

Unfortunately, Trae Young has been dealing with a quad injury that has kept him sidelined for most of the 2025–26 season. While he has yet to make his on-court debut with the Wizards, there has been growing optimism, as he has been listed as day-to-day in recent updates.

The Wizards have had to wait for a guard who owns career averages of 25.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 9.8 assists, and 1.0 steals per game, while shooting 41.5 percent from the field and 30.5 percent from three-point range. His eventual return is expected to provide a significant boost at the point guard position.

After several seasons of limited postseason success in Atlanta, Young now faces a critical stretch in his NBA career. With a new environment and a leadership role awaiting him, he must prove that his best basketball is still ahead as the Wizards continue building toward the future.

According to Underdog NBA, Trae Young is available to play and no longer carries an injury designation on the report. After dealing with a right quad contusion earlier in the week, Young is now expected to suit up without restrictions against the Knicks. The Hawks’ star has appeared in four consecutive games, including a 30-point performance in Friday’s 126–111 loss to the Miami Heat.

The Hawks enter the matchup looking to snap a five-game losing streak. After winning just two of their last 11 games, Young’s likely availability gives Atlanta a much-needed boost on the road against one of the stronger teams in the Eastern Conference.

Trae Young’s numbers

After posting eight points, 10 assists, and one steal in 20 minutes in his first game back since October 29, Young has steadily returned to form. He has scored at least 22 points in each of his last three games, including two performances with 30 or more points.

Since returning, Young is averaging 23.8 points, 10.0 assists, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 50.0 percent from the field, 44.8 percent from three-point range, and 89.7 percent from the free-throw line. His offensive rhythm has been a key stabilizer for an Atlanta lineup built around his playmaking.

One of Young’s best performances of the season came in a 152–150 loss to the Chicago Bulls, the highest-scoring game in the NBA this year. He finished that night with 35 points on 10-of-16 shooting, including seven three-pointers, along with nine assists.

Trae Young’s rivalry with the Knicks

Young’s history against the Knicks is well-documented. During the 2019–20 season, he delivered some of his most explosive performances against New York, averaging 44.0 points and 10.6 assists across three games while routinely silencing Madison Square Garden.

That tension carried into the following season, as Young continued to deliver clutch shots and high-level performances whenever the Knicks stood in front of him. His confidence and shot-making repeatedly turned hostile crowds into part of the spectacle.

The rivalry reached its peak during the 2021 NBA postseason, when the Hawks eliminated the Knicks in the first round. In Game 1, Young sealed a 107–105 win with a game-winning floater, finishing with 32 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds.

More recently, he eliminated the Knicks from the 2024 NBA Cup at Madison Square Garden, posting 22 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds, then celebrating at center court by mimicking a dice roll over the Knicks logo, a moment that further cemented the rivalry.

Young was listed as out for the return matchup against the Charlotte Hornets due to right knee injury management. However, concern eased after he spoke with reporters following the game. “I felt fine, it wasn’t going to take me very long to be where I needed to be. I think it was a good first step,” Young said, signaling optimism about his recovery.

The Hawks came up short against the Hornets in that contest, but the encouraging news centered on Young’s return after missing time with a right MCL sprain. Playing under a minutes restriction, the All Star guard finished with eight points and 10 assists in 20 minutes, easing his way back into live action.

How Trae Young experienced the injury

This marked the first time in Young’s career that he had to rehabilitate a knee injury. The last extended absence he dealt with came two seasons earlier due to a hand injury, when he returned without any minutes limitation. This time, the process unfolded differently, requiring more patience and careful management.

“Obviously, you want to give as much as you can for those minutes you’re out there, but you also don’t want to press it,” Young said. “It’s a fine line you have to be on. It’s easier said than done. Especially this being my first one coming back in the regular season. I just have to trust them.” Young added, “Whether I like it or not, I just have to trust them and allow the people that helped me through the rehab process to continue to do that.”

How he felt in his return

Not being on the NBA‘s court for extended stretches can lead to early fatigue, and Young acknowledged that shaking off rust is not easy. “The main part is the conditioning. Not having the leeway to give more than you can is not easy, but it’s the first one,” he said, emphasizing that the process will take time.

Head coach Quin Snyder echoed that sentiment, noting the importance of patience as the Hawks adjust. “It’s going to be a process for us and everybody to get acclimated for Trae to continue to get in shape,” Snyder said. “It’s good to have a first step in the process and continue finding ways to be better as a group.”

Trae Young suffered a concerning injury during the season, forcing him to leave the Hawks’ recent game against the Brooklyn Nets early. He scored six points in seven minutes before exiting, and the injury has affected his availability for Friday night’s NBA Cup clash with the Pacers.

While reports confirm that Young does not have an ACL injury, the guard’s knee issue is significant. “Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young has no issues with his ACL after leaving Wednesday night’s 117-112 win over the Brooklyn Nets with a right knee sprain,” ESPN’s Tim Bontemps reported Wednesday.

“The most important thing is it is not his ACL. He’s going to get an MRI tonight or tomorrow and make a determination from there. Not sure how long or what, but it’s something he’s hopefully going to be back from whenever possible.” Shortly after Bontemps’ report, the Hawks confirmed that Young’s right knee sprain would make him unavailable on Friday night.

How are the Hawks coming in?

Atlanta has had a disappointing start to the NBA season, entering Friday’s contest with a 2-3 record. However, they are coming off a road victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night.

In that win, Jalen Johnson led the way with 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 18 points, three rebounds, and three blocks. The Hawks will now aim for back-to-back wins and hope to kick off NBA Cup group play with a key victory over a struggling Pacers squad.

How are the Pacers coming in?

The Indiana Pacers enter Friday’s game winless, having dropped their first four games of the season, including a narrow two-point loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night.

Pascal Siakam led the Pacers in that loss with 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Jarace Walker contributed 20 points, six rebounds, and five assists. The Pacers will look to find their first win of the season against a Hawks team missing one of its stars.

According to Brett Siegel, the Hawks have no plans to trade their All-Star guard and remain confident that the current roster can compete for a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference this season.

“The Hawks are willing to wait and see how everything develops this year with a roster they believe can finish as a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference,” Siegel reported. “At no point has Atlanta considered trading Young, as the internal hope is that common ground will be found on a new deal next offseason, sources said.”

While trade speculation has followed Trae Young for months, the Hawks are staying patient and focused on the long-term picture. The front office wants this core group to prove itself before making any major moves.

A potential extension for Young

Young, meanwhile, has maintained a professional approach through all the noise, concentrating on winning and leading his teammates. Both sides seem to recognize that stability and strong performance this season could lay the groundwork for a long-term contract.

“Both sides understand the business aspect of a potential extension, and he remains committed to this team despite not really engaging in any realistic contract negotiations this past offseason,” Siegel added.

Young, 27, has been at the center of numerous trade rumors over the years. The former fifth overall pick emerged as a rising star in the NBA and experienced playoff success in 2021 when he led Atlanta to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Young’s performance and the new additions

After averaging 24.2 points, 11.6 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game last season, the franchise still believes he can become one of the NBA’s elite players. With Young, along with new acquisitions Kristaps Porzingis, Dyson Daniels, and Onyeka Okongwu, the Hawks have a versatile core blending veterans and young talent capable of impacting both ends of the floor. They also benefit from head coach Quin Snyder, who has instilled a strong culture since taking over.

This marks Durant’s fifth franchise in his 19th NBA season, following stints with the Seattle SuperSonics / Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and Phoenix Suns. The perennial All-Star joined the Rockets during the offseason in a blockbuster seven-team trade, ending his two-year run with Phoenix.

While Durant has yet to take the floor with his new teammates in an official game, the former MVP has already begun adapting to Houston’s system. Reports from camp indicate that he has seamlessly fit into the Rockets’ locker room, embracing the team’s culture and mentoring the younger core.

On the other hand, tonight’s preseason opener offers the first look at a revamped Hawks roster that underwent significant changes this summer. Led by new general manager Onsi Saleh, Atlanta strengthened its frontcourt by trading for Kristaps Porzingis and drafting promising forward Asa Newell. The Hawks also made bold moves early in free agency to deepen their bench and add shooting depth.

Will Kevin Durant play for the Rockets vs Hawks?

Head coach Ime Udoka recently confirmed that Kevin Durant will be available for all four preseason tune-up games ahead of the regular season. That means the two-time NBA champion is expected to make his highly anticipated Rockets debut on Monday night.

Durant is projected to fit seamlessly into Houston’s system. His scoring versatility, leadership, and defensive presence make him one of the easiest superstars to integrate into any team, capable of instantly elevating the Rockets’ standards and expectations.

Will Trae Young play for the Hawks vs Rockets?

All signs point to Trae Young being available tonight, as he does not appear on the injury report and there have been no indications of rest. This preseason matchup could be the perfect opportunity for Atlanta to test its new lineup alongside its franchise point guard.

However, it remains unclear how many minutes the Hawks’ core rotation players will see in this early tune-up. As with most preseason games, rotations will likely be fluid, with coaches prioritizing chemistry and rhythm over results.

On Thursday, Haliburton floated the idea of a tweak to the NBA rule book that could benefit pass-first guards like himself, allowing them to add to their already eye-catching assist numbers. His comment sparked debate across social media, especially because it highlighted a gray area many fans and even players are not entirely aware of.

“Today’s random thought @NBA, when we counting a lob off the backboard as an assist?” Haliburton wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Young quickly added his own perspective on the matter. “Fun fact.. I stopped throwing them when they stopped counting them,” the Atlanta guard posted on the same platform.

Backboard lobs are among the most entertaining plays in basketball, often appearing in transition when guards like Haliburton look to feed high-flying teammates. For Indiana, forward Obi Toppin has been a frequent recipient, using his athleticism to finish those highlight-reel moments. Young, meanwhile, could benefit from similar setups if paired with a skilled finisher such as Kristaps Porzingis.

Should this type of pass be counted as an assist?

According to the NBA’s current rules, the passer’s intent is the decisive factor in awarding an assist. If a player deliberately throws the ball off the backboard with the purpose of setting up a teammate for an immediate basket, the play qualifies. It is not treated as a missed shot but rather as a creative and strategic pass designed to outwit defenders.

That means a “lob off the glass” should be considered an assist if the bucket is scored directly from the pass. The play reflects a high level of vision and court awareness, as the passer uses the backboard as part of the setup. While unconventional, the objective remains identical to a standard pass: enabling a teammate to score. For that reason, the passer deserves the statistical credit.

What’s next for Haliburton and Young next season?

For Haliburton, the priority is recovering from the Achilles injury he suffered in the NBA Finals against Oklahoma City. His return is critical for an Indiana project that already proved it belongs on the biggest stage. If healthy, he will look to solidify his place among the league’s elite guards and chase the championship that continues to elude him.

As for Young, his future in Atlanta appears less certain. Despite being the franchise’s cornerstone in recent years, frustration has grown as the Hawks have failed to reach the competitive heights he has envisioned. This season, however, carries the promise of renewed direction, especially with the addition of Porzingis. Whether it translates into a deeper playoff push remains one of the league’s storylines to watch.

Young’s future with the Hawks is emerging as one of the league’s most compelling storylines. According to Jake Fischer, the All-Star guard and his representatives have long prepared for the possibility of playing out the final guaranteed year of his contract rather than committing to another extension.

That deal, worth more than $200 million, still has two seasons remaining, including a $49 million player option for 2026-27. If Young declines that option and delivers another elite campaign — one that matches his own expectations for himself and what the Hawks believe they can achieve — he could hit the open market in the summer of 2026 as one of the NBA’s most coveted free agents.

At 26, Young remains one of the league’s premier offensive forces. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged 24.2 points and an NBA-best 11.6 assists per game while shooting 41.1% from the field. Over the past three seasons, he has consistently posted more than 24 points and 10 assists per year, a feat that places him in rare company in NBA history. Many around the league believe his talent merits a stronger supporting cast and a franchise capable of contending for championships.

The Hawks, however, have struggled to match Young’s production with sustained success. Since drafting him in 2018, Atlanta has reached the playoffs only three times in seven years, with a stunning run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021 standing as their lone deep postseason push. The lack of consistent winning has fueled speculation about Young’s long-term satisfaction in Atlanta.

Adding to the uncertainty are reports of tension between Young and the Hawks’ front office. Marc J. Spears reported that Atlanta’s new leadership has yet to offer Young a maximum contract extension, despite his eligibility for a four-year, $229 million deal this summer.

Sources close to the situation suggest Young anticipated a show of commitment from the franchise, and the absence of such an offer has left the door open to questions about his future. For a player who has repeatedly expressed his desire to win at the highest level, a lack of alignment with the organization could prove decisive.

For now, both Young and the Hawks head into the 2025-26 season with a mutual goal: to contend in the NBA Eastern Conference. But if Atlanta cannot make meaningful strides toward that goal, the franchise risks watching its star player walk away — potentially in the most undesirable fashion for the team and its fans.

Despite Young’s consistently outstanding performance, the Hawks have struggled to provide the necessary support from the rest of the roster. His individual brilliance has yet to translate into playoff success, with the Hawks falling short of their NBA Finals ambitions, most recently in the 2022-23 season.

This upcoming season, Young will lead a revamped roster featuring standout players, including Kristaps Porzingis, acquired from the Boston Celtics. With these additions, the Hawks are poised to make a significant impact, rekindling hopes of victory for their passionate fans eager to celebrate postseason success.

As preparations for the next season unfold, the Hawks’ fans turn their attention to the unresolved matter of Young’s contract extension. According to a report by Andscape’s Marc J. Spears, there has yet to be an offer on the table. Young reportedly feels “disappointed that it hasn’t come,” revealing a sense of urgency in securing his future with the team.

Porzingis could be the game-changer the Hawks need

Having honed his skills with the Celtics, Porzingis appears poised to seamlessly integrate into the Hawks’ game plan. As the Hawks look to redefine their approach next season, they will likely lean on Porzingis’ defensive prowess. Coupled with Trae Young’s dynamic offensive capabilities, which were evident in his solid stats last season, the Hawks are aiming to present a formidable front.

Porzingis was a pivotal force for the Celtics, and as the Latvian player transitions to Atlanta, he is eager to showcase his talents. His commendable performances during both the regular season and playoffs in the 2023-24 campaign set high expectations for his impact with the Hawks.

Atlanta banking on Porzingis’ impact

The acquisition of Porzingis has revitalized hopes in Atlanta. Despite the trade catching Porzingis by surprise, the Hawks had already crafted a strategy to incorporate his abilities into their lineup. His presence is anticipated to be a catalyst for the team’s aspirations.

With Young and Porzingis joining forces, the Hawks are eyeing an NBA title next season. However, their path to the trophy will be fraught with challenges, as other teams have also fortified their rosters. The Houston Rockets have secured a key asset in Kevin Durant, and the Los Angeles Clippers have strengthened their lineup by adding Brook Lopez.

On Tuesday, the X account of Etienne Catalan shared a post confirming that Chris Paul will wear jersey No. 3 this season — the same number he wore during his first stint with the Clippers from 2011 to 2017.

Unexpectedly, that post received a response from another NBA star: Trae Young. From his official account, the Atlanta Hawks guard shared a direct message aimed at Clippers leadership. “Retire it during the farewell tour,” wrote Young, including a fire emoji alongside his words.

Within a few hours, Trae’s comment had received more than 2,800 likes from users who supported the idea. Among the replies, many Clippers fans took the opportunity to encourage Young to consider joining the team in the future.

Which numbers have the Clippers retired?

If Trae Young’s suggestion became reality, it would mark a unique moment in NBA history. The Clippers are the only team in the league that has never retired a jersey number in honor of an iconic player in franchise history, meaning Chris Paul would be the first.

The only number currently unavailable to Clippers players is No. 6. That jersey was officially retired league-wide by the NBA in August 2022 in tribute to Bill Russell, Boston Celtics legend and the winningest player in league history with 11 championships.

What role will Chris Paul have with the Clippers?

Trae Young, like many others, seems to be assuming that Paul’s career is nearing its end — and that this season may be the final one for the veteran guard. Based on recent reports regarding the conditions of Paul’s return, that assumption may be accurate.

Chris Paul is expected to adapt to an unusual role during this stint with the Clippers, likely serving as the team’s third option at point guard. James Harden clearly holds the starting spot, while Kris Dunn remains the primary backup.

According to NBA insider Brian Windhorst, Paul “is not gonna have guaranteed playing time… There are going to be nights where James Harden and their backup Kris Dunn get the minutes at point guard and Chris Paul might not play at all.” However, the guard appears to have accepted the situation in order to stay close to his family in California — and to be part of a roster with legitimate championship aspirations.

The Hawks’ franchise cornerstone has never been shy about his desire to win. But after back-to-back seasons without a playoff appearance, questions are mounting about his long-term outlook in Atlanta. During the team’s end-of-season media availability, Young made it clear: he still believes in what this team can become.

“Of course,” Young said when asked if he thinks he can win in Atlanta. “We’re one of the 30 NBA teams. I feel like you can win here. I’ve won here before. I haven’t won a championship, but I’ve achieved a lot of things here. I know what it takes; I can definitely win here.”

Young didn’t sugarcoat his disappointment, either. “I think it’s okay to be upset about it,” he said. “I don’t think it’s okay to be okay with losing. I’m upset about it. I’m not happy that I’m talking to y’all at the end of the season right now—I wish it was later. It’s okay for it to be upsetting, but you’ve got to do something to change it. For me, I just want to win, and you’ve got to do whatever you need to to make that happen.”

Looking ahead: what’s next for the Hawks?

After a crushing loss to the Heat, Young is already looking ahead to next season. While he’s confident the team can bounce back, he emphasized the need for honest evaluation and strategic adjustments.

“We all look at the season differently,” Young said. “For me personally, not making the playoffs is a failure, no matter who is out there. No matter how much adversity or how many injuries we faced, I still felt like we had a good enough group to make the playoffs.”

Despite a season riddled with inconsistency, the Hawks still managed to reach 40 wins and came within striking distance of the NBA postseason. But with Young entering the final guaranteed year of his contract, the spotlight now turns to his future in Atlanta. Will he commit to an extension—or let the situation play out? One thing is clear: if the Hawks want to keep their star, the time to build a real contender is now.