Trae Young Rookie Card Market Guide

Rookie cards are a hot commodity for collectors and investors alike, and Trae Young’s are no exception. His first-year cards are already selling for high prices, and they may continue to increase in value as his career progresses. Young rookie cards are worth considering if you are looking to add a piece of sports history to your collection or are thinking about investment opportunities. This guide will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about buying Trae Young rookie cards.

Who Is Trae Young?

Trae Young is an American professional basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He also played college basketball for the Oklahoma Sooners. Young was one of the most highly recruited players in the country and ranked as one of the top point guards in his class.

Young is known for his elite shooting ability. He also possesses excellent court vision and passing skills, averaging 10.7 assists per game during his freshman year at Oklahoma. Young made national headlines early in his career at Oklahoma after tying the record for most single-game assists with 22. After a standout sophomore season, he decided to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the 2018 NBA draft.

On June 21, 2018, his hometown Dallas Mavericks selected him with the fifth overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. However, Dallas immediately traded him to the Atlanta Hawks for that year’s third overall pick, Luka Dončić.

Young quickly established himself in the NBA as one of the best up-and-coming young players. He was named an All-Star in his second season and remains a focal point for the Hawks’ offense.

What Makes Trae Young's Cards so Valuable?

A few important factors make Trae Young rookie cards valuable. They include:

Impressive statistics: Young averaged 19.1 points per game in his rookie season and 8.1 assists per game, which was among the league's highest for rookies that year. He was also one of the highest-performing rookies that season, hitting 156 three pointers. His high-level play drives up the value of his rookie cards.

Rarity: Depending on the set, some of his rookie cards are limited to a certain number of copies. The value can be much higher for sets that contain low print runs, as these cards are much more difficult to find.

Collectability: The collectability of a card may be based on factors like design and artwork. Some high-value cards are known for their vibrant colors and eye-catching designs, making them stand out in any collection.

Age: Young was just 21 years old when his rookie cards were released, making them even more desirable. They may be undervalued now, but value could increase significantly as his career progresses.

Investment Potential of Trae Young Cards

Regarding the investment potential of Trae Young rookie cards, a few important factors should be considered:

The player's popularity: Young has become one of the most popular players in the NBA, and his rookie cards have been highly sought-after since he entered the league. He is a two-time All-Star and was also named to the All-Rookie First Team, increasing interest in collecting and investing in his rookie cards.

The popularity of the sport: Basketball has become one of the most popular professional sports in the world. This means more people are likely to be interested in collecting and investing in basketball cards, including Trae Young’s rookie cards.

Market conditions: The market for trading cards can grow and fluctuate over time, so it's important to pay attention to current trends when investing in any card, including Young’s rookie cards. In addition, it is essential to keep an eye on the secondary market and know what other investors are doing.

Condition of the card: As with any collectible, condition plays a significant role in determining the value of rookie cards. Cards that are well-preserved, show minimal wear and tear, and have low serial numbers will hold more value than those that do not meet these criteria.

Future performance of the player: Although Young’s current performance has been impressive, consideration of potential future performance is essential. If he continues to play at a high level and build upon his legacy over time, his rookie cards will likely continue to rise in value as well. If he underperforms though, card values could decrease.

Marketability of the player: A player's popularity is one thing, but the marketability of each player is a whole different beast. A player's marketability can be judged by how they are perceived in the public and what kind of endorsements they receive. If a player is seen in a positive light, it can directly affect the value of their cards.

Your investment strategy: It's important to know your investment strategy when investing in Young’s rookie cards. Some investors may prefer to purchase low-grade cards to flip them for a profit, while others may choose to buy higher-grade cards and hold onto them as an investment.

Unique features or limited editions: You should also consider any special features like autographs or limited editions that his rookie cards may contain. Many of his cards include signatures, which can significantly increase their value.

Best Trae Young Rookie Cards

As Trae Young’s career continues to progress, there are a few cards that investors should keep an eye out for. Here are some of his most valuable rookie cards on the market today:

2018 - Panini - National Treasures - Rookie Patch Autographs - Limited Edition Blue Parallel #'d /3 ($50,000)

The Panini National Treasures Limited Edition Blue Parallel makes the first on our list of best Trae Young cards to look out for. The card image features Trae in the air about to release a jump shot, with a red, black and yellow patch of his jersey in the top left corner. With a signature to boot, this card has a limited run of only three pieces and is currently estimated to be worth around $50,000.

2018 Panini Flawless Dual Logoman #6 Luka Dončić / Trae Young #’d/1 ($147,750)

The most expensive card on our list is the Panini Flawless Dual Logoman, featuring both Trae Young and Luka Dončić. As two of the best upcoming stars in the NBA, this one-of-one card is the holy grail for Young collectors. The card's design has Trae and Luka on either side of the card, with two NBA logos from their game-worn jerseys between them. The players are seen in their Atlanta Hawks and Dallas Mavericks jerseys, respectively, and both are in the middle of a jump shot. As one of the only cards to feature both players, it sold for an astounding $147,750 due to its unique and highly sought-after characteristics.

2018 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autographs #103 Trae Young #'d /20 ($74,999)

The Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autographs#103 is another valuable card from the 2018 season and is also has a limited print run. It features a large jersey patch on the top left of the card, with Young in his black Hawks jersey on the right. It also includes a signature from the young star and has a limited run of only 20 pieces. With its clean design and rarity, the card is currently estimated to be worth around $74,999.

2018 Panini Prizm Rookie Signatures #5 Trae Young - Black Parallel #'d /1 ($70,000)

The Panini Prizm Rookie Signatures #5 Black Parallel is one of the rarest of all Trae Young rookie cards. This card features a holographic black and white background with the silvery Prizm logo in the top right corner. It also features an autograph from Young and has a limited run of only one, making it incredibly rare and valuable. The card graphic shows Young in action and ready to shoot, and his face expresses intense determination. Due to its rarity and prestige as a collector's item, it previously sold for $70,000.

2018 Panini Prizm #78 Trae Young ($60,000)

The Panini Prizm series is a fan favorite of collectors of every sport. The sets feature a glossy, premium card stock that is shiny and catches the eye. The silver borders and background are a staple of the series. Young's name and team are written on the bottom of the card, while the Prizm logo is featured in the top right corner. The highest price ever paid for this card is a whopping $60,000. While ungraded and low-grade cards usually sell for hundreds instead of thousands, the astounding price shows how in demand even his base rookie cards can be in the right market.

2018 Panini Prizm #78 Trae Young - Blue Shimmer Parallel #'d /7 ($50,000)

The Panini Prizm #78 Blue Shimmer Parallel is another Trae Young rookie card collectors should pay attention to. This rare parallel features the same image as the previous base Prizm card but has a blue and shimmering red background with the young star in action. With the holographic pattern and a limited run of only seven pieces, this card is estimated to be worth upwards of $50,000.

2018 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autographs #103 Trae Young - Limited Edition Blue Parallel #'d /3 ($50,000)

The Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autographs #103 Limited Edition Blue Parallel has an even lower print run than the previous National Treasures card on our list. This limited parallel features the same image and design as the previously mentioned Young card. With a signature to boot, this card has a limited run of only three pieces and has sold for $50,000 in the past.

Where Can I Purchase Trae Young Cards?

Trae Young’s rookie cards are widely available on the secondary market. Depending on your collector level, you can find a card to fit your budget. These are the most popular online auction sites for sports cards and collectibles:

• eBay
• EBTH
• Goldin
• Sotheby's
• Christie's
• SCP Auctions
• Invaluable
• PWCC
• Memory Lane
• Pristine Auction
• Lelands
• Robert Edward Auctions
• Heritage Auctions

Further, by searching Google, social media pages and collector forums, you can find out about sports cards and memorabilia shows coming to your area.

How Are Trae Young's Cards Graded?

Professional card grading companies provide third-party certification of the condition of a card. Cards are graded on a scale from 1 to 10, with one being the lowest and Gem Mint 10 the highest. The higher the grade, the more valuable the card will likely be. Some grading companies like CSG also have classified ratings beyond the classic system, such as the Perfect 10, which indicates an even higher level of quality than a regular Gem Mint 10 rating.

Factors that affect the grade of a Trae Young card include:

• Centering: A card is considered centered when the player’s name and picture appear symmetrical relative to the card's edges.
• Edges: Sharp cards with no nicks or dings will have a higher grade than those with worn-down edges.
• Surface wear/damage: Any scratches or dents on the card's surface can significantly reduce its value.
• Corners: The sharper the corners, the better the grade will be.
• Color and registration: Color should be bright and evenly distributed throughout the card. If it is faded or has off-register printing, it will not receive as high of a grade.

Conclusion

Collecting Trae Young rookie cards can be a fun, rewarding experience for his fans and basketball card collectors alike. There are several factors to consider when buying, collecting and investing in cards, including condition, rarity and the player's future performance.

At this point in his career, Young looks like he has the potential to become one of the NBA’s all-time greats. With that in mind, his rookie cards might be an investment worth considering if you want to get into basketball trading cards or simply enjoy collecting memorabilia from your favorite players.

Additionally, by getting your cards graded, you’ll have a collection that is certified authentic, with an established quality that will always be recognized by industry standards. For further information on CSG's 10-point Grading Scale and to find out more about our industry-leading services, visit CSGcards.com.

*Any mention of "investment potential" is for entertainment only and should not be construed as investment advice. The Certified Collectibles Group does not provide investment advice and is not liable for any buy, sell or trade decisions made by any parties.