Jordan Brand Signs Trae Young

Jordan Brand has officially welcomed the newest member of its family in Trae Young, the dynamic point guard out of the Atlanta Hawks. Now in his seventh season in the NBA, the three-time All-Star will be rocking the Jumpman from here on out after his tenure with adidas came to an end earlier this year.

Young’s footwear allegiance was under question after he was spotted during pre-season workouts wearing a variety of brands. In addition to wearing his own signature models in the adidas Trae Young 3 and the Trae Unlimited, the Hawks star was spotted wearing the Air Jordan 39 as well as the ANTA Shock Wave Pro 5.

However, Trae as been wearing the Air Jordan 39 exclusively in games while openly rocking Jumpman gear off the court; just this week, he posted a photo of himself wearing Jumpman product from head to toe, including the upcoming Air Jordan 11 “Legend Blue”.

Now, it’s official: Trae Young is a Jordan Brand athlete. Whether or not he will receive his own signature shoe has not yet been confirmed. See below for a Q&A with Young provided by Jordan Brand to get some insight behind his decision.

Trae Young in the Air Jordan 11 “Legend Blue” + Air Jordan 39

“It’s Jordan Brand. There’s not much to be said. This brand embodies basketball, style, and a desire to win and the desire to be great.”

Trae Young on joining Jordan Brand

When you look at the Jumpman, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Trae Young: When I look at the Jumpman, the first thing that comes to mind is the culture. Jordan Brand sets the tone for hoops culture and personifies greatness. The Jumpman really speaks for itself and I’m excited join the family.

What did it feel like the first time you put on a pair of Jordans?

As a kid, you always dream of lacing up in your first pair of Jordans. You put on that first pair, you feel invincible and like you can take on the world. As a kid, I always puffed out my chest a bit more when I had my Jordans on.

Trae Young in the Air Jordan 3 “Black Cement”

“I’m grateful MJ did that for people like myself, and my goal is to try and continue that legacy for the young kids, including my brother…”

Trae on Michael Jordan’s impact on his life

What’s it feel like now to put them on knowing you’re part of the Jordan Family?

Being a Jordan Brand athlete and putting on my Jordans again feels great. Joining this family, is a full circle moment and an honor that I am so excited for.

What’s one rule you think everyone should break?

Following the pack and blindly following others. To be great, you have to step outside of your comfort zone even if that means facing criticism or being ridiculed.

People always say you’ve got to wait your turn. What do you say to that?

I say you’ve gotta be aggressive, get yours, and pave your own path. Every day is a new opportunity to work hard. As I like to say, it’s always Another Day Another Opportunity. Waiting your turn is never going to get you where you want to go to achieve your dreams!

Trae Young joins Jordan Brand
Trae Young joins Jordan Brand
Trae Young joins Jordan Brand
Trae Young joins Jordan Brand
Trae Young joins Jordan Brand

Written by

John Kim, Editor-in-Chief

John Kim is the current Editor-in-Chief of Sneaker News, taking over the role in 2014 after joining the company in 2009. Born and raised in Queens, NY, John has published interviews with Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Anthony Edwards, Pusha T, Pharrell, and more. He is considered among the most trusted voices in the industry and is a fixture at important brand events across the globe.