The Atlanta Hawks have agreed to trade four-time All-Star point guard Trae Young to the Washington Wizards, marking one of the most significant roster moves of the season.
Under the terms of the deal, Atlanta will receive veteran guard CJ McCollum and sharpshooting wing Corey Kispert. The trade signals a strategic reset for the Hawks after a turbulent campaign.
Sources said Atlanta once viewed Young as a long-term cornerstone. However, the team’s performance without him raised questions about fit and direction. When Young suffered a knee sprain, he missed action from October 31 to December 14, 2025. During that stretch, the Hawks recorded a strong 13–9 record.
Trae Young leaves mid-game after his trade announcement 🥲
He leaves the court for the final time as a Hawk… pic.twitter.com/k5EgSjQkP7
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 8, 2026Since his return, Young appeared in five games. Atlanta lost all five, intensifying internal discussions about a possible move. League insiders say the front office began working with Young’s representatives to identify a fresh start that suited both sides.
According to The Athletic, the Wizards emerged as a logical destination. Washington is in the middle of a rebuild and was prepared to give Young the time and support needed to fully regain his fitness.
League sources added that Washington identified Young as a potential target months before the trade was finalised. The franchise needed an established point guard to guide its young core and accelerate development.
Wizards executives believe Young’s offensive creativity could unlock the best versions of emerging talents such as Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, and Bilal Coulibaly.
For Atlanta, the addition of McCollum brings veteran leadership and scoring stability, while Kispert adds perimeter shooting. The move reflects a shift toward balance and flexibility as the Hawks reassess their competitive timeline.
As both teams progress through different stages of contention, the Trae Young trade could reshape the trajectory of two franchises heading into the next NBA season.
