Trae Young Traded to Washington Wizards

In a jaw-dropping move that sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Atlanta Hawks have traded Trae Young – a four-time NBA All-Star and the face of their franchise – to the Washington Wizards. In exchange, Atlanta receives veteran guard CJ McCollum and young swingman Corey Kispert. The news, first broken by NBA insider Shams Charania, marks a seismic shift for both organizations.

The trade brings an end to Young’s tenure in Atlanta, where he has been the franchise cornerstone since being drafted in 2018. The 27-year-old point guard now heads to the nation’s capital, reportedly his preferred destination. The Wizards’ front office, led by President Michael Winger and GM Will Dawkins, has been aggressively seeking a star to anchor their young core, and landing Young signals the next ambitious step in their rebuilding plan.

Trade Details and Terms

The full terms of the deal, confirmed by multiple reports, include:

• Washington Wizards receive: Guard Trae Young (27 years old, 4-time All-Star).
• Atlanta Hawks receive: Guard CJ McCollum (34-year-old veteran) and Corey Kispert (24-year-old elite shooter).

Notably, no draft picks were included in the transaction. This is a rare occurrence for a player of Young’s caliber, as superstar trades typically involve a haul of first-round selections. Instead, the Hawks prioritized a package of proven talent and financial relief. McCollum’s $30.6 million contract is set to expire after this season, providing Atlanta with significant salary cap flexibility.

Why Atlanta Traded Their Franchise Star

The decision to move Trae Young is a stunning pivot for Atlanta. Since 2018, Young has been synonymous with Hawks basketball, leading the team to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021. However, after back-to-back early playoff exits and rumors of friction regarding his ball-dominant style, the front office decided it was time for a change.

By moving Young, the Hawks are embracing a new era centered around the emergence of Jalen Johnson. Head coach Quin Snyder is expected to implement a more fluid, egalitarian offensive system. Additionally, the move positions Atlanta to be a major player in future trade markets. Reports suggest the Hawks may use their newfound cap space and remaining assets to target a high-profile big man, with Anthony Davis frequently mentioned as a potential target.

In the interim, CJ McCollum provides a veteran presence alongside Dejounte Murray. McCollum’s leadership and floor-spacing abilities are expected to stabilize the backcourt while Corey Kispert, who shoots over 42% from deep, provides elite perimeter gravity for Atlanta’s wings.

Wizards’ Rebuild Accelerates with a New Star

For Washington, acquiring Young is the culmination of a strategic asset-collection phase. Since trading Bradley Beal in 2023, the Wizards have methodically gathered draft swaps and young prospects. Turning a package centered on McCollum and Kispert into a 27-year-old superstar without losing their treasure trove of future picks is being hailed as a masterclass in front-office management.

Young joins a roster that includes:

• Bilal Coulibaly: The defensive-minded 20-year-old forward.
• Kyle Kuzma: The veteran wing who has become a leader in D.C.
• Deni Avdija: A versatile playmaker and defender.

Wizards President Michael Winger expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating that Trae is a "dynamic player who can be a cornerstone for sustained success."

Historical Context: The 2018 Draft Class

Trae Young’s departure from Atlanta highlights a fascinating trend regarding the 2018 NBA Draft class. With this trade, only two players from the first round of that draft remain with their original teams: Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis) and Miles Bridges (Charlotte).

The careers of Young and Luka Dončić remain forever linked. Both were traded for each other on draft night, both became superstars in their early 20s, and now, both have been traded by the teams that drafted them. This era of "player empowerment" and rapid roster turnover continues to redefine how NBA teams are built and dismantled.

Impact and Future Outlook

While excitement in Washington is at an all-time high, fans may need to be patient. Young is currently recovering from a right ankle sprain. Sources indicate the Wizards plan to rehab him cautiously, with no immediate pressure to return him to the court this season. The focus is squarely on the 2026-27 season and beyond.

Young’s contract includes a $49 million player option for 2026-27. While he has not officially committed to his long-term future in D.C., he is reportedly open to extension talks. For the Wizards, the gamble is simple: they believe Young’s elite playmaking can elevate their young talent and return the franchise to playoff relevance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the full details of the trade? The Wizards acquired Trae Young. The Hawks acquired CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. No draft picks were exchanged.

How does Trae Young fit with the Wizards? Young provides the Wizards with an elite offensive engine. His playmaking should create easy opportunities for Daniel Gafford and open shots for Kyle Kuzma and Bilal Coulibaly.

What does this mean for the Atlanta Hawks? Atlanta is shifting toward a balanced roster. They are building around Jalen Johnson and Dejounte Murray while gaining the financial flexibility to pursue another star in the near future.

When will Trae Young debut for Washington? Due to an ankle injury and Washington's current standing, he may not play significantly until the start of the next season to ensure he is 100% healthy.

References:

• Shams Charania, ESPN: "Hawks trading Trae Young to Wizards"
• Jake Fischer, Marc Stein’s Substack: "No draft picks in Young deal"
• Josh Robbins, The Athletic: "Analysis of Young’s future and injury status"
• Basketball-Reference: Trae Young Career Statistics
• Official Washington Wizards Press Release, January 2026