In a surprising turn of events, the Atlanta Hawks are set to trade their star guard, Trae Young, to the Washington Wizards, as reported by multiple sources. This move marks a significant shift for both teams involved.

Trae Young, who has been a central figure for the Hawks and a four-time NBA All-Star, will join the Wizards. In return, Atlanta will receive seasoned players Corey Kispert and CJ McCollum, according to ESPN’s sources. This exchange signifies a major reshuffling for the Hawks as they look to reconfigure their lineup.

News of the trade broke during the Hawks’ game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. Young, who was on the bench for Atlanta at the time, exited the game shortly after the announcement surfaced, underscoring the immediacy of the deal.

Whispers of a trade had been circulating earlier in the week, with Young and his team actively seeking a new direction. The 27-year-old’s desire for a change had been clear, and both parties were reportedly cooperating to facilitate a suitable resolution.

The decision to part ways with Young comes after a contentious off-season. Reports suggest that the Hawks’ management opted against offering Young a contract extension, setting the stage for this pivotal move.

The Atlanta Hawks are trading star guard Trae Young to the Washington Wizards

Young had spent his entire eight-year NBA career with the Hawks after being drafted in 2018 

Since being drafted by the Hawks back in 2018, Young has been the face of the franchise and has since been named an NBA All-Star on four separate occasions.

Young famously led the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, which they lost, but the team has struggled to replicate that postseason success since. 

This season, Young has struggled with injuries and was recently sidelined with a right quad contusion, having previously dealt with a right MCL sprain. 

However, in his absence, the Hawks have actually performed better without him.

Atlanta hold a 15-12 record without their All-Star guard in the team, compared to a dismal 2-8 record when he has been in the lineup this season. 

The team’s defense has also proved to be more robust without Young, allowing nearly 10 fewer points-per-game in his absence. 

Despite the injuries, Young remains one of the league’s most prolific playmakers, having led the NBA in assists last season with 11.6 per game. 

The trade signifies Atlanta’s focus on building around rising star Jalen Johnson, who was recently likened to NBA legend Scottie Pippen by LeBron James. 

Johnson has exploded this season, averaging 24 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 8.5 assists, proving he can shoulder the load as the team’s primary outlet. 

The Hawks will receive Corey Kispert and CJ McCollum in exchange for Young

Young has made just 10 appearances this season amid a number of injuries to the guard 

Johnson will lead a new era in Atlanta with the likes of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher all part of their exciting roster.

Financial considerations played a central role in the deal, as Young is currently earning $45.9 million this season and holds a $48.9 million player option for 2026-27. 

By moving Young’s massive salary, Atlanta avoids a potential tax apron crunch and gains the ability to enter the 2026 offseason with nearly $50 million in cap space. 

McCollum joins the Hawks as a veteran scoring threat, currently averaging 18.6 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game.

Kispert also heads to Atlanta and has averaged 9.2 points and 2.3 rebounds, despite being limited by thumb and hamstring injuries this season.

Washington, meanwhile, have been on the search for an anchor for their youthful roster and, according to ESPN, believe the trade for Young is a crucial next step.

The move will see Young reunite with Wizards executive Travis Schlenk, who had been in charge at the Hawks when they drafted the guard back in 2018.