Atlanta’s 2018 draft-night move for Trae Young, which meant passing on Luka Dončić, was widely questioned, but early signs pointed in the right direction. Young became a four-time All-Star and led the Hawks to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals.
Injuries and growing belief in some circles that the team played better without him fueled trade rumors, and those escalated Wednesday with reports suggesting a deal could be imminent.
Trae Young Dealt to Wizards
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Young has been dealt to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert.
BREAKING: The Atlanta Hawks are trading four-time NBA All-Star Trae Young to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/WIf8rhrRFu
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 8, 2026
Both McCollum and Kispert were scratched from the Wizards’ 131-110 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night.
Young has struggled this season. He’s played just 10 games at 28.0 minutes per game. He’s averaging 19.3 points, 8.9 assists, and 1.5 rebounds; the lowest numbers since his rookie season. He’s also shooting 41.5% from the field, the second-worst of his career, and a career-low 30.5% from three.
Although he no longer fits with the Hawks, the Wizards could still have plenty of reasons to want Young. He’s only 27, and if he avoids major injuries and addresses his nagging issues, he should have several years left.
Despite a poor season, his playmaking and three-point shooting tempt any team.
Young signed a five-year deal worth $215.1 million with the Hawks, which began in the 2022-2023 season. He’s owed $45,999,660 this season. He has a player option worth $ 48.9 million for the 2026-2027 season.
Young’s impending free agency, or his option for 2027, may have deterred some teams.
Despite the Hawks’ recent struggles, we have seen Young have a very productive career thus far, leading his team deep into the playoffs just a few years ago; therefore, the Wizards are likely to believe Young can return to that level.
Trae Young Deal Could Have a Major Impact Across the League
Charania notes this move could position Atlanta for a bigger trade.
“Moving Young also provides Atlanta with added financial flexibility to pursue a large salary over the next several months – with Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis as a prime in-season trade target,” Charania writes.
The Hawks are reportedly interested in Davis but have been reluctant to part with Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft. Gaining more assets could let them make a deal for Davis or another high-salary player.
Charania also notes McCollum could be a valuable veteran. He could help the Hawks play a style that better fits their core, namely Jalen Johnson.
“The Hawks are poised to turn the page on a new era with the emergence of Jalen Johnson and others, bringing a much more fluid style of play around their wings and depth,” says Charania. “McCollum serves as a valuable plug-and-play veteran while holding a $30.6 million expiring deal.”
McCollum has seen his star fade since he was traded from Portland. He’s still a productive player, averaging 18.8 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game this season. He is shooting 45.4% from the floor and 39.3% from beyond the arc.
Kispert is averaging 9.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. He is making 49.6% of his shots from the field and 39.5% of his three-pointers. Given Young’s struggles from three, acquiring two shooters should create more floor spacing for Atlanta. This marks an exciting beginning to the NBA trade season, with more activity likely to unfold before the Feb. 5 deadline.
