The Trae Young Trade Is A Disgrace.

The NBA’s trade season has officially erupted, and the first bombshell is already sending shockwaves through the league. When news broke that the Atlanta Hawks had traded franchise cornerstone Trey Young to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, the basketball world collectively did a double take. This isn’t your typical midseason move—this is a seismic shift, a deal that could reshape the futures of two teams and set the tone for everything that happens before the deadline.

Let’s break down the trade, analyze what it means for both sides, and explore how this deal could impact the league for years to come.

The Atlanta Hawks: End of an Era, Start of a Gamble

Giving Up the Franchise Star

There’s no sugarcoating it—the Hawks trading Trey Young is the end of an era in Atlanta. Young, a four-time All-Star, has been the face of the franchise since he arrived as a rookie. He led the NBA in assists last season, carried the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals, and holds franchise records for assists and three-pointers made. For nearly a decade, he’s been the torchbearer, often overachieving despite inconsistent support.

But the writing had been on the wall. Rumors of Young’s departure had swirled for months, and the Hawks’ front office seemed increasingly ready to move on. Still, the way it happened—and the return they got—feels underwhelming, even disrespectful to a player who’s given so much to the city.

The Return: CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert

Let’s be clear: this trade is not about building for the future. It’s about cutting ties, resetting the culture, and embracing a new direction. CJ McCollum, a 34-year-old veteran, is past his prime. He’s an empty-stats scorer with a reputation for porous defense—one of the very criticisms that have dogged Young in Atlanta. Kispert is a solid shooter but not a game-changer.

Most shocking of all, there were no draft picks included in the deal. In recent years, we’ve seen teams trade stars for packages loaded with first-rounders (think Desmond Bane, Mikal Bridges, Donovan Mitchell). Atlanta, meanwhile, settled for two players who don’t move the needle much, especially for a team that’s been stuck in mediocrity.

Why the Hawks Did It

So why make the trade? There are a few reasons:

Financial Flexibility: Moving Young’s hefty contract gives Atlanta some room to maneuver, potentially making another big swing in the future.
Culture Reset: Young, for all his talent, has been a polarizing figure. The Hawks want a new identity, one built around defense, teamwork, and less drama.
Embracing Jaylen Johnson: Johnson’s breakout season has earned him the keys to the franchise. The Hawks are betting on his continued development as the centerpiece of their rebuild.

Concerns and Criticisms

But the deal raises serious questions. McCollum’s defensive issues are well-documented, and Kispert, while a great shooter, doesn’t solve Atlanta’s problems on either end. The Hawks rank 18th in offense and 16th in defense—solidly mediocre. Adding McCollum and Kispert may boost three-point shooting (Atlanta is top-five in the NBA), but it won’t make them contenders.

The lack of draft capital is especially glaring. With teams around the league stockpiling picks, Atlanta seems to have missed an opportunity to build for the future. The trade feels rushed, desperate, and—frankly—a bit embarrassing for a franchise that should have commanded more for a player of Young’s caliber.

What’s Next for Atlanta?

The Hawks now have financial flexibility and a chance to chase another star—rumors already suggest Anthony Davis is in their sights. But unless they make another big move, Atlanta is likely headed for a lengthy rebuild. Jaylen Johnson will get every opportunity to shine, but the team’s ceiling is limited without more talent or assets.

In the short term, expect Atlanta to play hard, shoot a lot of threes, and try to establish a new culture. But unless McCollum and Kispert drastically outperform expectations, this trade will be remembered as a missed opportunity.

The Washington Wizards: A Risk Worth Taking

One Man’s Trash, Another Man’s Treasure

For the Wizards, this trade is all about upside. They’ve been rebuilding for three years, collecting young talent but struggling to find a true alpha to lead the way. Players like Alex Sarr and Trey Johnson have shown flashes, but none have emerged as a franchise star.

Enter Trey Young.

Young’s reputation has taken a hit recently—he’s having a down year, and the Hawks have played better without him. But the Wizards see an opportunity: buy low on a player whose ceiling is still sky-high. If Young can rediscover his form, Washington instantly becomes one of the most intriguing teams in the league.

The Fit: Unlocking Washington’s Offense

The Wizards have struggled mightily on offense, ranking 27th in the NBA. They’re near the bottom in assist percentage and halfcourt production. What they do well, surprisingly, is shoot the three—they’re 13th in the league this season. What they’ve lacked is a playmaker who can unlock that shooting talent.

Young is one of the best passers in the NBA. His ability to find open shooters, create off the dribble, and stretch defenses is exactly what Washington needs. Pair him with Sarr (an elite shot blocker and emerging rim protector), Kaishan George (a two-way talent), Trey Johnson (a 40% rookie shooter from deep), Bub Carrington (improving shot quality), and Bilal Koulibaly (versatile defender), and the Wizards suddenly have a young, dynamic core.

The Plan: Tank Now, Compete Later

Washington isn’t rushing Young onto the court. He’s been dealing with a lingering knee issue and has played just 10 games this season. Reports suggest the Wizards may sit him for the rest of the year, both to let him heal and to continue their tank for a top draft pick.

With the fourth-worst record in the NBA, Washington is positioned to land a high lottery pick—potentially AJ Debonsa, Darren Peterson, or Cam Boozer. Add one of those prospects to a lineup of Young, Johnson, George, and Sarr, plus cap space to spend in free agency, and the Wizards could leap back into playoff contention as soon as next season.

Why the Wizards Win This Trade

Washington didn’t give up anything of significant value. McCollum is past his prime, Kispert is a role player, and the Wizards are betting on their youth. Young provides the exact skill set they were missing—a creative playmaker who can elevate everyone around him.

If Young returns to form, the Wizards could have one of the league’s most exciting offenses. The defense will still be a work in progress (Washington ranks 29th), but Sarr’s rim protection and Koulibaly’s versatility offer hope for improvement.

The Long-Term Vision

Looking ahead to 2027, the Wizards could roll out a lineup of Young, a top prospect from this year’s draft, Johnson, George, and Sarr, with plenty of cap space to add veterans. It’s a bold plan, but one that makes sense given where the franchise is.

Young’s reputation as a defensive liability is real, but on a young, hungry team, he could bounce back and become the leader Washington has been searching for. The Wizards are betting on upside, and for a team that’s struggled to find direction, it’s a risk worth taking.

The League-Wide Impact: Opening the Floodgates

This trade isn’t just about Atlanta and Washington. It’s the first domino to fall in what could be a wild trade season. With Young off the board, other teams may feel emboldened to make moves. The market for stars is always competitive, and this deal could spur activity across the league.

Teams that were holding assets for a potential Young trade can now pivot. Expect increased activity as the deadline approaches, with contenders looking to add pieces and rebuilders seeking draft capital.

Analyzing the Players

Trey Young

Strengths: Elite passer, creative scorer, proven playoff performer.
Weaknesses: Defense, shot selection, personality fit.
Outlook: Fresh start in Washington, chance to lead a young core, potential to bounce back and reshape his legacy.

CJ McCollum

Strengths: Veteran scorer, three-point shooting.
Weaknesses: Defense, age, declining production.
Outlook: Role player in Atlanta, unlikely to be a difference-maker, may be flipped again for assets.

Corey Kispert

Strengths: Shooting, floor spacing.
Weaknesses: Limited upside, not a primary creator.
Outlook: Solid role player, fits Atlanta’s emphasis on three-point shooting, but not a franchise cornerstone.

What Could Have Been: The Missed Opportunity for Atlanta

It’s hard not to wonder what Atlanta could have gotten if they’d waited or negotiated harder. With stars commanding multiple first-round picks in recent deals, the Hawks’ return feels light. The decision to move quickly may haunt them if Young thrives in Washington and the team fails to rebuild effectively.

Atlanta’s front office is betting on culture and flexibility, but the lack of assets could limit their options. The pressure is now on Jaylen Johnson and the coaching staff to deliver results.

The Wizards’ Gamble: High Risk, High Reward

For Washington, the trade is a classic buy-low move. If Young’s knee heals and he returns to All-Star form, the Wizards could accelerate their rebuild and become a playoff threat. If not, they haven’t lost much—McCollum and Kispert were not central to their future plans.

The key will be developing their young talent and integrating Young into a system that maximizes his strengths. The Wizards have a plan, and for the first time in years, it feels like there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

The Big Picture: What Happens Next?

As the trade deadline approaches, expect more deals, more drama, and more teams looking to reshape their rosters. The Young trade is just the beginning. Atlanta will try to rebuild around Johnson and hope McCollum and Kispert can contribute. Washington will bet on Young’s upside and look to add more talent in the draft and free agency.

For fans, it’s a chance to watch two teams embark on new journeys. The Hawks are starting over, the Wizards are swinging for the fences, and the league is watching to see who wins this high-stakes gamble.

Final Thoughts

The Trey Young trade is a turning point for both franchises. Atlanta says goodbye to a star, hoping for a brighter future. Washington welcomes a new leader, hoping for a playoff resurgence. The deal is risky, controversial, and—above all—fascinating.

Only time will tell who wins the trade. But one thing is certain: the NBA’s trade season is officially underway, and the floodgates are open.