Not only is Trae Young set to switch franchises, but he’s also set to switch numbers.
Young wore No. 11 throughout his time with the Atlanta Hawks, but he won’t be able to rock that same number with the Washington Wizards because the organization has the number retired for Bullets legend Elvin Hayes. So, Young has to pivot.
Trae Young will wear No. 3 with Wizards
With the Wizards, Young will wear No. 3, which he officially revealed via social media. Ironically, that number was last worn by CJ McCollum, who Young was traded for.
It’s official #TRA3 @WashWizards pic.twitter.com/Aikewfkwjc
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) January 9, 2026
Though obviously, and understandably, emotional about moving on from the team that he spent the first seven seasons of his career with, Young seems genuinely excited about the opportunity ahead of him in Washington.
"I'm walking into this next chapter ecstatic, with my head high and my eyes forward," Young said in a statement posted to social media. "It's time to see what's possible when the support is real and the vision is clear. We move.”
Young helped to lead the Hawks to the postseason on three separate occasions during his time in Atlanta, including a run to the Eastern Conference finals in 2021.
He left as the Hawks’ all-time leader in assists and made 3-point field goals and the sixth-highest scorer in franchise history. He’ll look to have a similar – and potentially even greater – impact with the Wizards.
More NBA news:
- NBA legend blasts Hawks over Trae Young trade, labels them a 'mid' franchise
- Luka Doncic reacts to Trae Young trade to Washington Wizards
- CJ McCollum reacts to being traded to Atlanta Hawks for Trae Young