The REAL Reasons Trae Young Was Traded To Washington
The NBA’s new year started with a bang as the Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards agreed to a headline-grabbing deal: All-Star point guard Trey Young is heading to Washington in exchange for veteran scorer CJ McCollum and sharpshooter Corey Kispert. While not a blockbuster in the traditional sense—no massive haul of picks or superstars—the deal could prove transformative for both franchises, each at a crossroads in their development.
For Atlanta, the move marks the end of the Trey Young era and a clear pivot toward building around rising star Jaylen Johnson and a younger, more versatile core. For Washington, it’s a bold swing at relevance, adding a marquee name to a roster filled with intriguing young talent and hoping to reenergize a fanbase that’s endured years of mediocrity.
Why did this trade happen? Why did it make sense for both sides? And what does it mean for the future of the Hawks and Wizards? Let’s break down the deal, the motivations, and the implications for the NBA landscape.
The Trade Details
Washington Wizards receive:
Trey Young (PG, 27 years old, multiple All-Star appearances)
Atlanta Hawks receive:
CJ McCollum (SG, veteran scorer, $30M expiring contract)
Corey Kispert (SF, young shooter, 40% from three)
Why Did Atlanta Trade Trey Young?
1. The Trade Market for Trey Young Was Lukewarm
Despite Young’s star status and offensive brilliance, the market for a player like him was far from robust. At 27, Young is approaching the age where teams must consider long-term extensions and financial commitments. Any team trading for Young would need to be prepared to make him the centerpiece of their next era—a commitment not every franchise wants to make, especially given Young’s defensive limitations.
Contending teams, in particular, were hesitant. While many could use a dynamic playmaker and shooter, Young’s size and defensive struggles make him a target in high-stakes playoff series. In today’s NBA, where perimeter defense is king and switching is essential, Young’s profile simply didn’t fit the needs of most contenders.
Washington, however, was an exception. The Wizards were willing to commit to Young, offer an extension, and make him their new face. The mutual interest was crucial—Young wanted to go to a team that valued him and would build around him.
2. Atlanta Is Committed to the Jaylen Johnson Era
This season has made it clear: Atlanta is ready to build around Jaylen Johnson. The young forward has blossomed, showing flashes of stardom and giving the Hawks a new direction. Johnson’s size and athleticism better fit the modern NBA, and the team’s defensive numbers have improved dramatically when Young is off the floor.
Without Young, Atlanta climbed to around 12th in defensive rating—a testament to how much his absence helped their overall scheme. Johnson isn’t a lockdown defender yet, but he doesn’t present the same automatic mismatch that Young does. The Hawks’ roster is built around athletic wings and forwards, and moving Young allows them to fully embrace this identity.
By trading Young, Atlanta avoids wasting Johnson’s timeline and can focus on developing a core that fits together on both ends.
3. The Return: Expiring Money, Shooting, and Flexibility
The package of CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert might seem light for a player of Young’s caliber, but it’s exactly what Atlanta needed. McCollum, on a $30 million expiring deal, gives the Hawks a proven scorer and ballhandler for the remainder of the season. More importantly, his contract comes off the books this summer, freeing up significant cap space.
Kispert brings much-needed shooting (close to 40% from three) and fits the Hawks’ desire to surround their young core with floor spacers. Atlanta’s salary sheet now looks much cleaner, with McCollum and Porzingis both expiring and the team holding a valuable pick swap option with Milwaukee and New Orleans. That swap could net Atlanta a top-three pick, further fueling their rebuild.
Atlanta didn’t need a home-run return for Young—they needed flexibility and the chance to build around Johnson and their draft assets.
4. The Opportunity to Reshape the Roster
With Young gone, Atlanta can take its high draft pick and pair it with Johnson and other young pieces. The Hawks aren’t likely to contend immediately, but they have the makings of a promising young roster. If they make smart decisions in the coming months, Atlanta could quickly return to relevance with a team that fits the modern NBA.
Why Did Washington Make the Deal?
1. Trey Young Was Interested—and the Wizards Needed a Star
For the Wizards, the trade is about more than basketball—it’s about business, identity, and hope. Washington has made the playoffs only once since 2018, and their roster, while intriguing, lacked a true marquee name. Young wanted to come to Washington, knowing he’d get the extension and the opportunity to lead a team.
NBA teams aren’t just chasing championships; they’re selling tickets, jerseys, and excitement. Young gives Washington a direction, a player to market, and a reason for fans to believe again.
2. Young Fits the Wizards’ Timeline and Needs
Washington’s roster is filled with young, talented players—Alexar (leading the league in blocks), Kean George (a promising guard), rookie Trey Johnson (a shooter), and Bob (a developing scorer). Adding Young gives these players a high-level playmaker to learn from and play alongside.
The Wizards weren’t a defensive juggernaut anyway, so Young’s weaknesses aren’t as damaging here as they might be on a contender. In the Eastern Conference, where parity reigns and the play-in tournament is always in reach, Young could help the Wizards push back toward postseason relevance.
3. The Wizards Give Up Expiring Money and a Role Player
CJ McCollum, while still productive, is on an expiring contract and doesn’t fit Washington’s long-term plans. Kispert is a valuable shooter, but not a franchise cornerstone. The Wizards sacrifice some depth and shooting, but gain a star who can galvanize the locker room and the fanbase.
4. The Chance to Build Around a Star
With Young in place, Washington can focus on developing its young core, adding complementary pieces, and potentially attracting future free agents. Young’s presence raises the team’s profile and gives the Wizards a clear identity—something they’ve lacked for years.
The Implications: What Comes Next?
Atlanta’s Path Forward
Atlanta now has a clean cap sheet, a budding star in Jaylen Johnson, and a valuable draft pick incoming. The team can use its flexibility to pursue trades, sign free agents, or simply continue developing its young talent.
The Hawks’ commitment to their new core is clear, and the move away from Young allows them to build a team that fits together defensively and offensively. Atlanta fans should expect a few more moves in the coming months as the team continues to reshape its roster.
Washington’s New Direction
The Wizards are betting on Young to lead them back to the playoffs and, eventually, contention. With a roster full of young talent, the addition of a star point guard could accelerate their development and make Washington a more attractive destination for future free agents.
Young’s arrival gives the Wizards a reason to believe, and the team’s front office will be under pressure to build a competitive roster around him.
The Broader NBA Impact
The trade is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NBA. Just a few years ago, Young was the face of Atlanta’s future; now, he’s starting a new chapter in Washington. The deal also highlights the importance of fit, timeline, and flexibility in roster construction.
Teams are increasingly willing to move on from stars who don’t fit their long-term vision, prioritizing cap space, draft assets, and chemistry over name recognition. The Hawks and Wizards are both betting that their new direction will pay off.
The Players: What to Expect
Trey Young
Young remains one of the league’s most dynamic offensive players, capable of scoring from anywhere and creating for teammates. In Washington, he’ll have the freedom to run the offense and the support of a young, athletic roster.
The challenge will be improving his defense and adapting to a new system. If Young can elevate his play and embrace a leadership role, he could help the Wizards climb the Eastern Conference standings.
CJ McCollum
McCollum brings veteran savvy and scoring to Atlanta, but his primary value is as an expiring contract. The Hawks may choose to keep him for the remainder of the season or move him at the deadline for additional assets.
Corey Kispert
Kispert’s shooting will be valuable in Atlanta, especially as the team looks to space the floor for Johnson and its other young players. He could thrive in a larger role and help the Hawks maintain offensive efficiency.
The Front Office Perspective
Both teams approached the deal with clear priorities. Atlanta wanted flexibility, a clean cap sheet, and a commitment to its young core. Washington wanted a star, a direction, and a reason for fans to get excited.
The mutual interest between Young and the Wizards made the deal possible, and both teams walk away with something they needed.
What Fans Are Saying
Initial reactions to the trade have been mixed. Some Hawks fans are sad to see Young go but excited about the new direction. Wizards fans are cautiously optimistic, hoping Young can deliver on his promise and lead the team back to relevance.
As with any major trade, the final verdict will depend on how the teams perform in the coming seasons. If Atlanta’s young core blossoms and Washington returns to the playoffs, the deal will be seen as a win for both sides.
Looking Ahead: The Next Moves
Both Atlanta and Washington are likely to remain active in the trade market. The Hawks could look to move other veterans, add more young talent, or package assets for another star. The Wizards will focus on building around Young, developing their young players, and finding the right mix of veterans and prospects.
The trade also sets the stage for other moves around the league, as teams look to reshape their rosters and prepare for the next era of NBA competition.
Conclusion: A New Era Begins
The Trey Young trade marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for both the Hawks and Wizards. Atlanta is embracing youth, flexibility, and defense, while Washington is betting on star power and offensive firepower.
Only time will tell which team made the right bet, but one thing is certain: the NBA landscape just got a little more interesting.
