Trae Young. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Trae Young walks off after being traded mid-game in a surreal scene

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Darryn Albert | Last updated Jan 8, 2026 8:59 PM ET

The cameras were very much on Trae Young as news of his blockbuster trade broke on Wednesday.

The Atlanta Hawks made the major decision Wednesday to trade away their four-time All-Star Young after seven-and-a-half seasons with their team. Young is headed to the Washington Wizards in exchange for a couple of notable players (full details here).

Interestingly enough, the trade report surfaced right in the middle of Atlanta’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The game was even taking place at the Hawks’ home of State Farm Center in Atlanta, Georgia. (with the Hawks eventually winning 117-110).

Young, who was not playing due to a quad injury, was actually present on the bench during the game. When news of the trade broke in the fourth quarter, Young began saying his goodbyes to various Hawks staffers and fans.

Trae Young saying his goodbyes to the Hawks staff pic.twitter.com/hRLQbsqRPE
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) January 8, 2026

The four-time All-Star Young then later walked off into the tunnel for the last time as a Hawks player while fans filmed him extensively.

Trae Young Atlanta Hawks career has officially come to an end pic.twitter.com/TULll9occQ
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) January 8, 2026

We have seen instances in the past of rotation players awkwardly being traded in the middle of games. But this time around, it was the Hawks’ longtime franchise centerpiece in Young who was sent packing in the middle of a game.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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