Trae Young Reacts to NYC Mayor's Comments on Knicks-Hawks Playoff Ticket Prices
Trae Young may not be part of the Atlanta Hawks anymore, but his presence is still felt. His former team is scheduled to face the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs. The Hawks and Knicks share history in the postseason. However, that's mostly because of Young's involvement.
The former Oklahoma star is considered the antagonist for the franchise. The Hawks and Knicks only faced each other once in the postseason, which was in 2021 during the opening round. However, Young made it memorable and led Atlanta past New York after five games.
Fans have not moved on from what the star guard did to their team.
Trae Young Addresses Being Blamed for the Knicks-Hawks Ticket Prices
Ahead of the series, the ticket prices for Game 1 at Madison Square Garden became a major topic of discussion. According to Tick Pick, a seat that's not courtside could go up to at least $360. The price was concerning, and it was brought up during New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's press conference on Thursday.
His first comment about it was to blame Young, who is now a member of the Washington Wizards.
"I would say that I blame Trae Young... and I think it's always important to blame Trae Young," Mamdani said.
Zohran Mamdani, when asked about the high cost of Knicks playoff tickets vs Atlanta: "I would say that I blame Trae Young... and I think it's always important to blame Trae Young"
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) April 16, 2026
Via: https://t.co/E7EN07I2QXpic.twitter.com/4YG37kvdD1
The Wizards star did not hold back when he saw the politician mention his name. The four-time All-Star reminded them of what happened in the past when former NYC mayor Bill de Blasio, had comments for him.
"Remember what happened the last time the Mayor of that City had my name in his mouth during a time like this… . #DontBlameMeWhenItHappensAgain" Young replied.
Remember what happened the last time the Mayor of that City had my name in his mouth during a time like this… . #DontBlameMeWhenItHappensAgain
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) April 17, 2026
Young was referring to the 2021 postseason, when de Blasio made demands about how the NBA star should play.
"This is about basketball, I have an important official announcement," he said. "This is very serious. I want to get this out. Message to Trae Young, on behalf of the people of New York City and anyone who cares about actually playing basketball the right way, stop hunting for fouls, Trae."
That was Young's first postseason appearance and facing the Knicks did not bother him. He averaged 29.2 points and 9.8 assists on 34.1% shooting from beyond the arc.
Although the NBA star is not with the Hawls anymore, New York fans still consider him one of the biggest villains of the Knicks.
Related: Wizards Announce Trae Young Decision After 11 Missed Games
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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 9:53 PM.