The Trae Young Trade Is Happening…
After eight years and countless highlights in Atlanta, the Trae Young era is coming to an end. The Hawks, who selected Young with the fifth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, are officially working on a trade that will send their franchise point guard to a new destination. As reported by Shams Charania of ESPN, Young and his representatives have begun collaborating with Atlanta’s front office to find a resolution, with the Washington Wizards emerging as a legitimate trade suitor.
This move marks a watershed moment for both franchises and could reshape the landscape of the Eastern Conference. In this feature, we’ll explore why the Hawks are making this decision, what Young brings to his next team, how the Wizards fit as a landing spot, and what this trade says about the changing nature of NBA team-building.
The Road to the Trade: Atlanta’s Shifting Priorities
The Atlanta Hawks entered the 2025-26 season with high expectations. After a busy offseason that included the addition of Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and several promising young players, Atlanta was projected as a possible top-four seed in the Eastern Conference. Breakout performances from Jaylen Johnson have materialized, but other young players, like Dyson Daniels and Zachary Reach, have not developed as quickly as hoped.
The Hawks currently sit at 17-20, a disappointing record for a team with playoff ambitions. The lack of a contract extension for Young this past offseason signaled a possible shift in priorities. Young holds a player option for the 2026-27 season worth $48.9 million, but the franchise appears ready to move in a new direction.
Atlanta’s roster is heavy with ball-dominant players, and the front office has reportedly explored other blockbuster trades, including talks involving Anthony Davis. The need to build around emerging stars like Johnson, as well as the desire for greater roster flexibility, has set the stage for Young’s departure.
Trae Young’s Legacy in Atlanta
Trae Young’s tenure in Atlanta has been marked by both individual brilliance and team success. He led the Hawks to a memorable Eastern Conference Finals run in 2021, becoming one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers and a fan favorite. Young’s combination of deep shooting range, elite passing, and fearless attitude made him the face of the franchise.
However, as the team’s ceiling became apparent, questions about fit, leadership, and long-term direction surfaced. Young’s defensive limitations and the need for a more balanced roster have prompted Atlanta to consider a rebuild or retooling around its younger core.
While it’s unfortunate that the Hawks may not receive a blockbuster return for Young, his impact on the franchise should not be underestimated. He helped elevate Atlanta’s profile and brought playoff excitement back to the city.
The Wizards: A Team Ready to Take a Leap
The Washington Wizards have been in rebuilding mode since trading away Bradley Beal in 2023. The team has accumulated young talent, including Alex Sarr, Keshan George, Trey Johnson, and Bilal Coulibaly, as well as promising guards like Bub Carrington. However, the Wizards have lacked a true franchise point guard to orchestrate their offense and accelerate their growth.
Adding Trae Young could be the move that propels Washington back into playoff contention. Young’s ability to create shots for himself and others, run the pick-and-roll, and push the pace fits perfectly with the Wizards’ young roster. His arrival would instantly raise the team’s floor, giving them a proven star to build around.
The reported trade framework centers on CJ McCollum’s expiring contract, which gives Atlanta financial flexibility and avoids taking on long-term salary. The Wizards may also include draft assets, though they are unlikely to part with their most valuable picks given their ongoing rebuild.
Recent Precedents: Pascal Siakam and Brandon Ingram
The Young trade bears similarities to recent moves involving Pascal Siakam and Brandon Ingram. Both players were dealt as their contracts neared expiration, with their former teams opting for salary relief and draft capital rather than risking a lengthy free agency process.
Siakam’s move to the Pacers in 2024 netted Toronto matching salary and three first-round picks, while Ingram’s trade from New Orleans to Toronto yielded a single first-round pick. In both cases, the players’ value was tempered by contract status and team context.
Young’s situation is comparable. The Hawks may not receive a haul of assets, but the trade allows them to reset their roster and focus on developing their young talent.
Potential Trade Packages and Asset Management
If the Wizards acquire Young, the deal will likely include CJ McCollum’s expiring $30 million contract and at least one draft pick. Washington holds several future picks, including those from the Pelicans and Bucks, which could be used to sweeten the deal without sacrificing their own rebuilding timeline.
The Hawks, meanwhile, avoid long-term salary commitments and gain flexibility heading into the offseason. They can leverage their own draft capital, as well as assets from the Young trade, to pursue further roster improvements or star acquisitions.
Other teams could enter the mix, but Washington’s combination of cap space and young talent makes them an ideal partner. The possibility of including role players like Corey Kispert, Cam Whitmore, Will Riley, or AJ Johnson could add depth to the negotiations.
What Trae Young Brings to Washington
Young’s strengths are well documented. He is one of the NBA’s best passers, capable of creating open looks for teammates in both the half-court and transition. His deep shooting range forces defenses to extend, opening driving lanes and pick-and-roll opportunities.
While Young’s defense remains a concern, his offensive impact is undeniable. With a roster of athletic bigs and versatile wings, the Wizards can cover for his weaknesses and maximize his strengths. Young’s experience in high-pressure games and familiarity with the play-in tournament could help Washington return to meaningful basketball for the first time since 2021.
The Fit: Young and the Wizards’ Core
Pairing Young with Alex Sarr gives Washington a dynamic pick-and-roll duo. Sarr’s rim protection and finishing ability complement Young’s passing and scoring. Wings like Keshan George and Trey Johnson benefit from Young’s court vision, while Coulibaly and Carrington provide depth and energy.
The Wizards’ goal is to climb into the play-in tournament and establish a foundation for future success. Young offers a proven solution at point guard, allowing the team to develop its young talent while competing at a higher level.
The Hawks’ Path Forward
For Atlanta, the trade marks a transition to a new era. The team will focus on developing Jaylen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and recent draft picks. With additional cap space and draft assets, the Hawks can pursue further trades or signings to accelerate their rebuild.
The franchise’s ability to remain competitive will depend on smart asset management and player development. While losing Young is a blow, Atlanta’s recent draft history and young core offer hope for a bright future.
Possible Alternative Destinations
While Washington is the frontrunner, other teams could make a play for Young. Milwaukee could pair him with Giannis Antetokounmpo, though cap constraints make a deal challenging. Minnesota needs a point guard but may lack the resources. Dallas, Toronto, Sacramento, and Brooklyn all have reasons to consider Young, but Washington’s combination of cap space and draft assets gives them an edge.
The absence of major trades so far this season may be due to CBA restrictions, the new “Second Apron” rules, or teams waiting to see what happens with other stars like Giannis or Jonathan Kuminga. Young’s trade could be the first domino to fall, sparking a wave of activity at the deadline.
The Broader NBA Context: Team Building and the Trade Market
The Young trade illustrates the changing priorities of NBA front offices. Teams are increasingly willing to move stars before contracts expire, prioritizing flexibility and asset accumulation over short-term wins. The rise of the play-in tournament and increased parity have made roster construction more dynamic, with franchises constantly evaluating their competitive windows.
For players, the ability to find the right fit and maximize their impact is crucial. Young’s move to Washington gives him a fresh start and an opportunity to lead a new generation of talent.
What’s Next: The Trade Deadline and Beyond
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Atlanta and Washington. The Hawks are expected to finalize a deal in the coming days or weeks, with Young likely to suit up for the Wizards before the end of the season.
The ramifications of the trade will be felt across the league. Teams with cap space and draft assets will look to capitalize on opportunities, while franchises with established cores will weigh the risks and rewards of adding a star.
For Young, the move represents a chance to redefine his legacy and help a rebuilding team reach new heights. For Atlanta, it’s an opportunity to reset and build for the future.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Trae Young and the NBA
The impending Trae Young trade is more than just a roster move—it’s a reflection of the evolving nature of the NBA. As stars change teams and franchises recalibrate their priorities, the league continues to shift in unpredictable ways.
Young’s journey from Atlanta to Washington (or another destination) will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. His impact on the Wizards, and the ripple effects across the Eastern Conference, could shape the playoff picture for years to come.
As the trade deadline nears, expect more movement and surprises. The NBA’s ever-changing landscape ensures that no team, and no player, can afford to stand still.
