The Atlanta Hawks sent shockwaves throughout the NBA by trading Trae Young to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, and tributes came pouring in for the four-time NBA All-Star after the transaction was confirmed.
In a recent interview, Kristaps Porzingis was among those who were surprised by the move, and the Atlanta Hawks center added he wished he had more games together with Young, given his superb playmaking skills.
“In the few minutes we spent (together), I was getting open looks all the time. Of course, I want to spend more time and play with him more, you know,” Porzingis told Hawks.com’s Kevin Chouinard. “He’s one of the best passers that I played with. Everybody was benefiting from playing with him. Offensively, he was a wizard.”
“He’s my guy, that’s my brother. That was one of the first people I met in this organization, and from day 1, he always had my back,” Zaccharie Risacher added of Young via ClutchPoints’ Malik Brown. “I want what’s best for him. If he’s happy, I’m always happy for him.”
Atlanta Hawks News: Jalen Johnson shares heartwarming message to Trae Young after trade
By trading Trae Young to the Washington Wizards, the Atlanta Hawks made it clear that Jalen Johnson is their franchise player moving forward. After the trade unfolded, Johnson said it was an honor to have Young as his teammate for five years.
“Trae was great. Just from Day 1, he always showed me love,” Johnson stated. “Very appreciative of the time we spent together, everything he’s done for this organization, and what he’s done for me. I’m excited for him and his next step in Washington.”
This trade certainly helps the Atlanta Hawks financially, as they no longer have any player making more than $31 million at any point during his contract. The team will have enough flexibility to add to the roster this summer, especially with CJ McCollum on an expiring deal.
