The Hawks Got FLEECED AGAIN!?
The NBA is no stranger to blockbuster trades, but few have sent shockwaves quite like the Atlanta Hawks’ decision to send four-time All-Star point guard Trey Young to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Cory Kispert—straight up, with no picks involved. As the news broke just before tip-off of the Spurs’ win over the Lakers, fans and analysts alike scrambled to make sense of the deal. Was this a classic case of a team getting fleeced, or a calculated move that reflects the changing economics and priorities of the modern NBA?
For Spurs fans, the trade’s ripple effects go far beyond Atlanta and Washington. With a critical pick swap looming and the Hawks’ future suddenly up for grabs, San Antonio’s own draft fortunes could be shaped by how Atlanta fares post-Trey. In this in-depth report, we’ll break down every angle of the trade, examine the state of the point guard market, and explore what it means for the Spurs and their fans.
Section 1: The Trade Details—A Surprising Lack of Assets
The Deal
Atlanta Hawks receive: CJ McCollum (34 years old, $31M/year), Cory Kispert (26 years old, $14M/year)
Washington Wizards receive: Trey Young (27 years old, $46M/year), four-time NBA All-Star, 2021-22 All-NBA, last season’s assists leader
No first-round picks. No second-round picks. No pick swaps. Just a pure salary and player swap.
Initial Reactions
If you told most fans or analysts this deal was in the works, the expectation would be that Atlanta would at least secure a first-round pick—maybe not this year, but at some point in the future. Instead, the Hawks opted for pure salary relief, moving off Young’s massive contract and bringing in two players whose deals are notably less burdensome.
For context, McCollum was the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2015-16 but is now firmly in the twilight of his career. Kispert, a solid shooter, is a role player. Neither is a franchise centerpiece.
Section 2: Evaluating Trey Young—Star Value vs. Market Reality
Young’s Resume
Four-time All-Star
All-NBA selection
Led the league in assists per game last year
Career averages: 25.5 points, 9.3 assists, 43% FG, 35% 3PT, 87% FT
Flaws and Criticisms
Despite his offensive brilliance, Young is a polarizing figure:
Defense: Frequently cited as a liability, often targeted by opposing offenses.
Shot Selection: Prone to taking tough, inefficient shots. Career 43% FG and 35% 3PT are solid but not elite for a max contract player.
Turnovers: Averaged over 4 turnovers per game for his career, though that number has dropped to under 3 this season.
Contract: With $46M/year and a new deal on the horizon, Young’s salary is one of the largest in the league.
Market Context
The Hawks’ inability to extract more assets for Young speaks volumes about the current point guard market. Most contenders already have their floor generals locked in, while rebuilding teams are focused on developing their own young talent. The Wizards were one of the few teams with the need and the cap space to absorb Young’s contract.
Section 3: The Point Guard Market—Why Value Has Collapsed
Recent Trades and Trends
The Young deal isn’t the only recent trade to reflect diminished returns for star point guards:
De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs: San Antonio didn’t have to surrender a king’s ransom to acquire Fox from Sacramento.
Luka Dončić to the Lakers: Widely seen as a win for LA, who gave up less than expected for a franchise-altering talent.
Contrast these deals with the return Memphis got for Desmond Bane—a shooter, not a point guard—which included four first-round picks. The message is clear: the market for elite point guards is soft, while shooters and wings command premium prices.
Why the Shift?
Apron Rules: The NBA’s new financial regulations severely limit trades involving high-salary players.
Team Needs: Most contenders are set at point guard; tanking teams want rookies or prospects.
Changing Style: The rise of jumbo creators and “positionless” basketball has diminished the traditional point guard’s value.
Section 4: Atlanta’s Perspective—Why the Hawks Made the Move
Salary Relief
The most obvious motivation for Atlanta is shedding Young’s contract. With McCollum and Kispert, the Hawks free up cap space and gain flexibility for future moves. McCollum’s deal is shorter and less expensive, while Kispert is a cost-controlled shooter.
Building Around Jaylen Johnson
The Hawks’ future now centers on Jaylen Johnson, who’s enjoying a breakout season:
Stats: 23 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists per game (nearly a triple-double with Young out)
Impact: Johnson has thrived as the primary playmaker, and the team’s record reflects it.
Team Performance: Better Without Young
With Young: 2-8 record (one game with only 7.5 minutes played)
Without Young: 16-13 record
Overall: 18-21, currently ninth in the East and in play-in position
The numbers suggest Atlanta is more cohesive and competitive without Young’s ball-dominant style.
New Additions: Shooting and Depth
McCollum and Kispert both shoot around 39% from three this year, adding much-needed spacing to Atlanta’s offense. While neither is a star, their skill sets fit well with Johnson’s playmaking and the Hawks’ emerging core.
Section 5: Wizards’ Perspective—A Gamble for a Franchise Star
Why Washington Made the Deal
The Wizards have been searching for a centerpiece since Bradley Beal’s departure. Young, despite his warts, brings star power, marketability, and elite playmaking. For a franchise in need of relevance and excitement, the gamble makes sense.
Risks
Fit: How Young meshes with Washington’s young guards and wings remains to be seen.
Defense: The Wizards must compensate for Young’s defensive shortcomings.
Contract: Young’s salary limits future flexibility.
Section 6: The Spurs Angle—How the Trade Shapes San Antonio’s Future
Pick Swap Implications
San Antonio owns a pick swap with Atlanta this season, stemming from the earlier Dejounte Murray trade. The Hawks’ post-Young trajectory will determine where the Spurs pick lands.
Current Hawks standing: Ninth in the East, 18-21 record, play-in spot
Projected pick range: Likely between 14 and 18, similar to last year
If Atlanta improves without Young, the pick swap could be less valuable. But if the team stumbles, San Antonio stands to benefit.
Lessons for the Spurs
The Trey Young trade is a cautionary tale for Spurs fans hoping for blockbuster returns if San Antonio ever decides to move on from De’Aaron Fox, Stefon Castle, or Dylan Harper. With the point guard market depressed, future trades may yield even less than the Hawks received.
Spurs’ Own Moves: Fox Trade Revisited
San Antonio’s acquisition of Fox from the Kings was widely seen as a steal, costing less than expected for a player of his caliber. The Spurs now have a trio of versatile guards for the future, but should temper expectations for future trades.
Section 7: The Hawks’ History—From Fleeced to Flexible?
Previous Trades
The Hawks’ recent trade history is a mixed bag:
Dejounte Murray trade: Atlanta gave up multiple picks, a move now viewed as a fleece for San Antonio.
Pick swaps: The Hawks’ willingness to trade future assets has sometimes backfired.
Current Outlook
With Young gone, Atlanta is betting on Johnson’s ascendance and the supporting cast. The addition of McCollum and Kispert adds shooting, but the team will need to prove its new formula can win consistently.
Section 8: Trey Young—A Polarizing Talent
Strengths
Clutch Scoring: Fourth in clutch player of the year voting last season
Playmaking: Elite passer, creative shot-maker
Free Throws: Among the league’s best
Weaknesses
Defense: Liability in high-leverage situations
Shot Selection: Prone to ill-advised attempts
Turnovers: Historically high, though improved this season
Young remains a gifted offensive player, but his flaws have limited his market value.
Section 9: Market Comparisons—Point Guards vs. Shooters
Desmond Bane Trade
The Grizzlies received four first-round picks for Bane, a shooter, highlighting the premium placed on perimeter scoring.
Implications
Teams are increasingly valuing shooting and versatility over traditional point guard skills. The Hawks’ inability to extract picks for Young reflects this shift.
Section 10: What’s Next for Atlanta, Washington, and San Antonio?
Hawks: Building Around Johnson
If Johnson continues his near triple-double pace, Atlanta could surprise skeptics and climb the standings. The team’s improved record without Young suggests a more balanced, efficient approach.
Wizards: Betting on Star Power
Washington is banking on Young to elevate the franchise, but must address defensive holes and find the right supporting pieces.
Spurs: Watching the Pick Swap
San Antonio fans should keep a close eye on Atlanta’s performance. The pick swap could be a hidden gem if the Hawks falter, or a middling asset if they surge.
Section 11: The Big Picture—Is This the New Normal?
The Point Guard Market
With salary cap constraints, positional versatility, and a league-wide focus on shooting, blockbuster returns for star point guards may be a thing of the past. Teams looking to trade high-priced guards should adjust expectations.
Spurs’ Long-Term Outlook
San Antonio’s future is bright with Castle, Harper, and Fox leading the way. But as the NBA evolves, the front office must remain nimble, valuing flexibility over splashy deals.
Section 12: Fan Perspectives—Did Atlanta Get Fleeced?
Hawks Fans
Some believe Atlanta sold low on Young, failing to secure picks or young prospects. Others see addition by subtraction, with Johnson’s emergence and improved team play.
Wizards Fans
Excitement abounds at landing a marquee name, but questions remain about fit and long-term success.
Spurs Fans
San Antonio’s draft fortunes are tied to Atlanta’s success. The Trey Young trade is a reminder that timing, market conditions, and league trends all shape the value of assets.
Conclusion: A Trade That Defines the Modern NBA
The Trey Young trade is more than a transaction—it’s a reflection of the NBA’s new economics, shifting priorities, and the unpredictable nature of team building. For Atlanta, it’s a bet on flexibility and chemistry. For Washington, it’s a gamble on star power. For San Antonio, it’s a lesson in timing and a reason to watch the standings with renewed interest.
Was it a fleecing? In terms of assets, perhaps. But in the context of today’s NBA, it may have been the only move available. As the league continues to evolve, so too will the calculus behind every blockbuster deal.
