Trae Young Trade Rumors: Wizards Emerge as Frontrunner to Acquire Hawks Star

Published: 2026/01/08 18:04:25

The Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards are reportedly engaged in serious discussions regarding a potential trade that would send star guard Trae Young to Washington [[1]]. The deal, as currently discussed, would involve CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert heading to Atlanta.

Hawks and Young at a Crossroads

The possibility of a trade comes after the hawks declined to offer Young a max contract extension in the offseason,signaling a potential shift in direction for the franchise. Young also holds a $49 million player option for the 2027-2028 season, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. While a dynamic player, Young’s recent injury history and the team’s struggles to advance in the playoffs have contributed to the trade talks.

Wizards Positioned to Land Young

According to reports, Young has expressed a preference to join the Wizards [[1]]. The Wizards, in turn, see Young as a potential cornerstone player to build around as they navigate a rebuilding phase. The inclusion of CJ McCollum’s expiring contract is seen as a key component of the deal, providing Atlanta with financial flexibility.

Trae Young’s Career Highlights

Since being drafted fifth overall in 2018, Young has established himself as one of the NBA’s most exciting and skilled point guards. he currently holds the Atlanta hawks franchise records for both assists (4,837) and 3-pointers made (1,295). His career average of 9.8 assists per game ranks third in NBA history, trailing only Magic Johnson and John Stockton. [[1]]

Young led the Hawks to an unexpected Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 2021,but the team has since failed to replicate that success,falling short of expectations in the subsequent seasons.

Current Season Performance and Injury Status

This season, Young has been limited to 38 games due to a quad contusion, averaging 19.3 points and 8.9 assists – his lowest averages as his rookie year. Over his eight-year career, he has maintained averages of 25.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game across 493 starts.

Trade Deadline Approaching

With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching on February 5th at 3 p.m.ET, both the Hawks and Wizards are under pressure to finalize a deal. The potential acquisition of Young would significantly alter the landscape of the Eastern Conference and provide the Wizards with a much-needed boost in star power.

Key Takeaways

• Trae Young is likely to be traded to the Washington wizards.
• CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert are expected to be part of the package heading to Atlanta.
• The trade deadline is February 5th.
• Young’s injury history and the Hawks’ playoff struggles have fueled trade discussions.