The blockbuster deal that reshapes the Eastern Conference landscape, the Atlanta Hawks have traded four-time NBA All-Star point guard Trae Young to the Washington Wizards, according to multiple reports from major sports outlets. The trade marks the end of Young’s long tenure in Atlanta and signals a new direction for both franchises as the 2025-26 NBA season reaches its mid-point.
Young, who has spent his entire professional career with the Hawks since 2018, will now wear a Washington uniform as the centerpiece of a Wizards team looking to reboot its future around a proven offensive star. In exchange, Atlanta is receiving veteran guard CJ McCollum and sharpshooting wing Corey Kispert from the Wizards.
End of an Era in Atlanta
Trae Young’s departure represents the closing chapter of what has been one of the most impactful and polarizing tenures by a franchise player in recent Hawks history. Drafted fifth overall in the 2018 NBA Draft and traded on draft night to Atlanta, Young quickly became the cornerstone of the franchise with his elite scoring and playmaking ability. Over seven seasons, he has consistently ranked among the league’s top point guards and has earned four All-Star selections, showcasing his prominence at the NBA’s highest level.
Young’s most memorable achievement as a Hawk came during the 2020-21 season when he led the team to the Eastern Conference Finals, a run that elevated his status in the league and brought Hawks unprecedented national attention. Despite that success, the team struggled to build sustained momentum in the postseason, and the Hawks have endured early playoff exits and play-in tournament outcomes in subsequent seasons.
This season has also been derailed by injuries for Young. After playing only a handful of games due to a sprained MCL and a quad contusion, his availability and impact were limited, casting uncertainty over his future with the franchise.
The Trade Details
The crux of the reported deal sends Trae Young to the Wizards in exchange for:
- CJ McCollum – a veteran shooting guard with a strong scoring pedigree
- Corey Kispert – a forward known for his three-point shooting and spacing ability
Neither reports nor sources indicate that draft picks or additional assets are part of the trade package, making this a relatively straightforward player-for-player exchange.
McCollum, 34, brings experience and leadership to the Hawks. A seasoned scorer with a career spanning teams like the Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Washington Wizards, McCollum’s presence adds a reliable offensive option alongside Atlanta’s burgeoning young talent. Kispert, meanwhile, complements Atlanta’s wing depth with his perimeter shooting and defensive versatility.
For the Wizards, acquiring Young is about adding a transformative offensive engine capable of elevating the franchise’s identity. Washington has been searching for a true go-to playmaker, and Young’s arrival immediately gives them a marquee star around whom they can build.
Why Washington Wants Trae Young
The Wizards entered the 2025-26 season in a rebuilding phase, ranked near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings and lacking a consistent scoring leader. Young changes that narrative instantly. His career averages — including roughly 25 points and nearly 10 assists per game over eight seasons — make him one of the most prolific dual-threat guards in the league.
Beyond statistics, Young’s court vision and deep range shooting make him a constant offensive threat. The Wizards hope this skill set will mesh well with their young core — including players like Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, and other budding contributors — to form a more competitive unit. Leadership from a veteran All-Star is also expected to have a positive cultural impact on Washington’s locker room.
Financially, the deal also provides the Wizards with organizational clarity. By taking on Young’s contract, they define their strategic priorities and can better plan around cap considerations in future offseasons.
Atlanta’s Rebuild Begins Now
For the Hawks, trading Trae Young is about more than just personnel — it’s a full-on shift in organizational philosophy. Atlanta has struggled to make meaningful postseason progress despite sporadic regular-season success with Young as the focal point. By moving him, the franchise gains flexibility and a clearer developmental path for its emerging players.
Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu, and Zaccharie Risacher are among the young Hawks the front office is betting on as the core of the next era. Adding McCollum’s veteran presence offers a stabilizing bridge between youth and experience while the team charts its future. Financially, the Hawks also benefit by moving a large contract — reducing luxury tax burdens and creating space for potential future transactions.
Front office executives have noted that this move positions Atlanta for a more fluid, team-oriented style of play, which could be more sustainable than the previous star-centric model. Whether this philosophy yields playoff success remains to be seen, but the pivot clearly signals a new chapter in Atlanta basketball.
What This Means for Both Teams
Washington Wizards
- Gain an All-Star playmaker and franchise focal point
- Revamp offensive identity with Young’s elite scoring and passing skills
- Add leadership and experience to an otherwise youthful roster
- Increase fan engagement and national visibility
Atlanta Hawks
- Transition into a youth-driven rebuild
- Acquire veterans who can support developing talent
- Create financial flexibility and potential trade assets
- Shift away from dependency on a single superstar
What’s Next
As the NBA trade deadline approaches on February 5, 2026, this deal sets a high bar for blockbuster transactions and could spark momentum across the league. For Young, this chapter offers a fresh start in a new city where pressure and expectations will come with the territory. For Atlanta, it’s a bold bet on youth, depth, and long-term strategy.
Both franchises now stand at pivotal crossroads: one seeking to build around brilliance and the other to redefine its identity in pursuit of sustainable success.
