Key Takeaways:
- On Wednesday, the Atlanta Hawks traded Trae Young to the Washington Wizards in a major NBA move
- This season, Young featured in 10 games for Atlanta, averaging 19.3 points and 8.9 assists per game
- CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert were included in the deal, moving to the Hawks according to ESPN reports
Blockbuster Deal Sends Franchise Star to Washington
In a move that has stunned the NBA community, the Atlanta Hawks have parted ways with their long-time star player, Trae Young, sending the four-time All Star to the Washington Wizards. The trade was confirmed on Wednesday, marking the end of Young’s remarkable tenure with the Hawks, for whom he has played his entire professional career.
Young, aged 27, has struggled to reach his usual heights this season, recording an average of 19.3 points and 8.9 assists across 10 games for Atlanta. These figures represent a decline from his career averages of 25.2 points and 9.8 assists per contest. The guard, previously selected as the No. 5 overall pick in 2018, has held a prominent role in Atlanta’s lineup since entering the league, consistently serving as the face of the franchise over seven-plus seasons.
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
Trade Details and Roster Implications
According to ESPN, the Atlanta Hawks will welcome CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert as part of the transaction. Young, who holds a $49 million player option for the 2026-27 campaign, did not receive a contract extension from Atlanta during the previous off-season. His departure closes an era in which he became Atlanta’s all-time leader in three-pointers and assists.
Meanwhile, the Wizards, currently sitting 15th in the Eastern Conference with a 10-26 record, are expected to move $30 million below the luxury tax threshold and will have an open roster spot for additional transactions. The Hawks, who defeated the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night, hold the ninth position in the conference but have managed only a 2-8 record in games featuring Young this season.
| Player | 2025-26 GP | PPG | APG | Career Average PPG | Career Average APG | Team After Trade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trae Young | 10 | 19.3 | 8.9 | 25.2 | 9.8 | Washington Wizards |
Reactions and Legacy
Within the Atlanta camp, Young’s departure has left a notable mark. Hawks power forward Mouhamed Gueye expressed his admiration, crediting Young for setting the tone upon his arrival: “When I first got here, he was one of the first guys that texted me, welcoming me to the city, gave me a lot of advice,” Gueye said. “Obviously, playing with Trae, as a big, is like a dream come true. I love him as a guy, I love him as a teammate. He’s an Atlanta legend.”
Young’s career began when he was drafted at No. 5 overall by the Dallas Mavericks in 2018, before being traded to Atlanta in exchange for Luka Doncic. With his move to Washington, Young will aim to revitalise his form and contribute to a Wizards side eager to rebuild.
