Trae Young

Trae Young is an American professional basketball player known for his exceptional playmaking ability and deep three-point shooting range. Born on September 19, 1998, in Lubbock, Texas, Young grew up in a basketball family with his father Ray Young having played college basketball at Texas Tech. Trae developed his skills from a young age and became a national sensation during his freshman season at the University of Oklahoma in 2017-2018, where he led the nation in both points and assists per game, a feat not accomplished in over 30 years.

Young was selected fifth overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks and immediately traded to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Luka Doncic, a draft-night trade that has been one of the most debated in NBA history. In Atlanta, Young quickly established himself as the franchise cornerstone, earning his first All-Star selection in 2020. His breakthrough moment came during the 2021 NBA Playoffs when he led the Hawks on a stunning run to the Eastern Conference Finals, including a memorable performance at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks where he silenced the hostile crowd with a game-winning shot.

Young signed a five-year maximum contract extension worth approximately $207 million with the Hawks, making him one of the highest-paid players in the NBA. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, particularly his signature deep three-pointers from well beyond the arc, and his elite passing vision have drawn comparisons to Stephen Curry and Steve Nash. He has been a multiple-time All-Star and has led the Hawks in both scoring and assists throughout his tenure.

Off the court, Young has secured endorsement deals with Adidas, where he has his own signature shoe line, and other major brands. He has been active in the Oklahoma and Atlanta communities through his charitable foundation, focusing on youth mentorship and education. Young is known for his confident demeanor and ability to perform under pressure, making him one of the most polarizing and exciting players in the modern NBA.