Hawks star Trae Young pays to erase $1 million in medical debt for Atlanta residents

Trae Young is having an incredible sophomore season on the court for the Atlanta Hawks. He’s reportedly doing amazing things off the court in Atlanta as well.

The Hawks star is partnering with nonprofit RIP Medical Debt to relieve more than $1 million in medical debts of Atlanta residents who can’t afford to pay them, according to Atlanta’s WSB-TV.

According to their website, RIP Medical Debt is an organization founded in 2014 by two former debt collection executives. They use donations to buy bundles of past due medical debts owed on secondary markets and forgive the debts with no tax consequences for the donors or recipients.

Since the debts are on the secondary market, they can be purchased at a fraction of their stated charges. Case in point: Young reportedly only had to pay $10,000 to erase a total of $1,059,186.39 for 570 people.

From WSB-TV:

“The city of Atlanta has welcomed me with open arms,” said Young. “Giving back to this community is extremely important to me. I hope these families can find a bit of relief knowing that their bills have been taken care of as we enter the New Year.”

That seems like a pretty great use of $10,000.

Of course, Young has been great all year for the Hawks, having the NBA’s best sophomore season this side of Luka Doncic. Through 34 games, Young is averaging 28.9 points and 8.4 assists per game on a .595 true shooting percentage.

Dec 19, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) reacts after making a three point basket against the Utah Jazz at in the second half State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Trae Young has taken a big step forward this season. (Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports)

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