This Looks Bad For Trae Young

The NBA trade deadline is always a time for drama, but this year’s first major move has already sent shockwaves across the league. The Washington Wizards, long mired in a rebuild, have landed four-time All-Star point guard Trey Young from the Atlanta Hawks in a deal that’s as stunning for its simplicity as it is for its implications. In exchange, the Hawks receive CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert—solid players, but nowhere near Young’s level of star power or upside. No draft picks, no prospects, just a straight-up swap that has fans and analysts alike asking: Did the Wizards just pull off one of the greatest steals in recent NBA history?

Let’s dive deep into how this trade happened, what it means for both franchises, the league-wide ripple effects, and why the Hawks’ decision to wait may have cost them dearly.

Wizards Land Trey Young for Pennies on the Dollar

On the surface, this is the kind of deal that front offices dream about. The Wizards, who have been searching for a franchise player since John Wall’s departure, acquired one of the league’s premier playmakers for a package that didn’t include a single draft pick. Kispert is a good shooter (38% from three at age 26), but not a star. McCollum, now 34, is well past his prime and has struggled to contribute meaningfully on defense. For a rebuilding team like Washington, this is a low-risk, high-reward move.

Trey Young’s resume speaks for itself: four-time All-Star, third all-time in assists per game behind Magic Johnson and John Stockton, and a proven playoff performer who once sent Knicks fans into a frenzy with his clutch performances. Young’s numbers are gigantic—he’s averaged over 25 points and 9 assists per game for multiple seasons. And yet, the Hawks were willing to let him go for what amounts to a salary dump.

Hawks’ Perspective: Toxic Contract, Failed Experiments, and Cap Space

Why would Atlanta make such a move? The answer lies in the changing dynamics of NBA team-building. With the new second apron rules, every dollar counts. Trey Young’s max contract—once a symbol of hope for the Hawks—had become a burden, limiting their flexibility and options. For years, the Hawks tried everything to build around Young:

Phase One: Young and the youth movement (Kevin Huerter, John Collins, DeAndre Hunter) failed to produce results.
Phase Two: Veterans around Young (Danilo Gallinari, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Rajon Rondo, Clint Capela) delivered an Eastern Conference Finals run, but quickly regressed.
Phase Three: Pairing Young with Dejounte Murray cost Atlanta four first-round picks, but the experiment fizzled.

Through it all, the common denominator was Trey Young. The Hawks’ offense always looked promising, but the team’s lack of defense and off-ball movement proved fatal in the playoffs. Young’s defensive liabilities forced the front office to design entire rosters around him, but opposing teams continued to exploit those weaknesses.

When Jaylen Johnson broke out this season—emerging as a 6’8” two-way forward averaging 24 points and over 8 assists per game—the writing was on the wall. Atlanta went 13-9 without Young, but 0-5 when he returned from injury. The new front office saw the opportunity to reset, declined to offer Young a contract extension, and pulled the trigger on a trade that finally ended the Trey Young era.

The Missed Opportunity: Why Atlanta Should Have Traded Sooner

It’s hard not to look back and wonder what might have been. Two years ago, Trey Young would have commanded a haul of four first-round picks or more. The Hawks waited, hoping to make it work, but the league’s perception of Young shifted. His contract became toxic in the eyes of many GMs, and his reputation as a defensive sieve overshadowed his offensive brilliance.

Now, Atlanta is left with cap space—about $30 million after moving off Young’s deal—and a chance to chase new talent. Rumors are swirling about a possible move for Anthony Davis, with the Mavericks reportedly shopping him aggressively. Even if that doesn’t materialize, the Hawks have flexibility to sign multiple players, like a Kobe White at point guard, and take advantage of an Eastern Conference that’s wide open.

But the fact remains: Atlanta essentially traded Luka Doncic (via the infamous draft night swap) for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. Ouch.

Wizards’ Gamble: Betting Big on Trey Young

Why did the Wizards say yes when 29 other teams said no? The answer is simple: cap space and upside. Washington is one of the few teams that can absorb Young’s salary without crippling their finances. For a franchise in need of a spark, this is the kind of gamble that can pay off big.

Young’s fit in DC is intriguing. The Wizards have a young core—Trey Johnson (rookie shooting 41% from deep), Bub Carrington, Keshan George, and Alex Sarr (an elite shot blocker and rim protector). Young’s ability to stretch defenses, create space, and pass out of double teams will unlock new dimensions for these players. DC’s guards will benefit from the attention Young draws, and his pick-and-roll prowess should make Sarr a threat at the rim.

Of course, defense remains a concern. The Wizards rank near the bottom of the league on that end, but with Alex Sarr anchoring the paint, there’s hope for improvement. And let’s be honest: swapping McCollum for Young at point guard isn’t a huge drop-off defensively, but it’s a massive upgrade in playmaking.

Wizards’ Strategy: Tank Now, Compete Later

There’s a twist to this story. The Wizards may not rush Young onto the court. He’s been dealing with an injury, and Washington’s pick is top-eight protected. If they finish with one of the four worst records, they’re guaranteed to keep their pick. Don’t be surprised if Young sits for much of the season, giving DC a chance to add another blue-chip prospect in the draft.

Looking ahead, the Wizards could roll out a lineup of Young, a top draft pick, Trey Johnson, Keshan George, and Alex Sarr, with cap space to sign free agents. This is how rebuilds leap forward—OKC did it three years ago, Houston last year, and now Washington hopes to be next.

League-Wide Impact: Floodgates Open for Trade Season

This move sets the tone for the rest of the NBA. With Young off the board, other teams can pivot, and the market for stars may heat up. The Hawks are reportedly targeting Anthony Davis, and the Mavericks are shopping him hard. With cap space and a young core, Atlanta could be a player for multiple free agents.

Meanwhile, the Wizards have positioned themselves as one of the league’s most intriguing teams. If Young returns to form, DC could make a leap from the basement to playoff contention. If not, they haven’t risked much, and their rebuild continues.

Trey Young’s Career Arc: From Franchise Savior to Trade Fodder

Young’s journey in Atlanta is a cautionary tale. Few teams have tried harder to make a star succeed—firing coaches, reshuffling rosters, and investing in complementary talent. But the fit was never quite right. Young’s offensive brilliance was offset by inefficiency, lack of off-ball movement, and defensive vulnerability.

In the playoffs, teams picked Atlanta apart through Young. The front office eventually realized the experiment had run its course. The decision to move on was inevitable, but the timing and return will be debated for years.

Jaylen Johnson: The New Face of the Hawks

Lost in the trade drama is the emergence of Jaylen Johnson. At 6’8”, he’s the kind of two-way wing every team covets. With averages of 24 points and eight assists, Johnson gives Atlanta hope for the future. The Hawks will build around him, leveraging their cap space to add talent and compete in a wide-open East.

Wizards’ Young Core: Ready for the Next Step

For Washington, the future is bright. Trey Young’s arrival gives the Wizards a legitimate star to lead their young core. Trey Johnson’s shooting, Bub Carrington’s development, Keshan George’s versatility, and Alex Sarr’s rim protection form a foundation that could surprise the league.

If the Wizards land a top-eight pick, add a blue-chip prospect, and integrate Young into the lineup, they could be the next team to make a leap from rebuild to relevance.

The WNBA Strike: A Major Off-Court Story

Amid the NBA trade frenzy, another bombshell dropped: the WNBA players voted to strike over their new CBA. This move could have massive implications for the league. If the strike goes forward, it could threaten the viability of women’s professional basketball in the U.S.

Why would the players risk so much? The answer lies in the fight for better pay, working conditions, and long-term security. The WNBA has made strides in recent years, but players believe more needs to be done. The strike is a gamble, but one that could reshape the league’s future—for better or worse.

Final Thoughts: Winners, Losers, and What Comes Next

The Trey Young trade is a watershed moment for both franchises. The Wizards, long a laughingstock, have bought low on a 27-year-old All-Star with the potential to lead them out of the wilderness. The Hawks, after years of trying to make it work, have finally hit reset—though the price may have been too steep.

For the NBA, the deal opens the floodgates for more trades, as teams adjust their strategies and chase stars. For the WNBA, the looming strike adds another layer of drama to a season already packed with storylines.

Who are the winners and losers? Only time will tell. If Young thrives in Washington and the Hawks build a contender around Jaylen Johnson, both teams could emerge stronger. If the Wizards’ gamble fails and Atlanta’s rebuild stalls, the trade will be remembered as a cautionary tale.

One thing is certain: the NBA never sleeps, and the drama is just getting started.