Wizards acquire Trae Young from Hawks in NBA blockbuster
- On January 8, 2026, the Washington Wizards acquired four-time All-Star Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks in a player-for-players deal for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, ending Young's seven-plus-season Hawks tenure.
- Top Washington executives Michael Winger and Will Dawkins sought a proven lead guard while Atlanta front office led by Onsi Saleh declined to extend Trae Young and shifted roster direction.
- Young averaged 19.3 points and 8.9 assists in 10 games this season, posting a 41.5/30.5/86.3 shooting split and missed six games with a right quad contusion after a right MCL sprain.
- The Wizards' payroll moves leave them $30 million below the luxury tax, opening a roster spot and clearing $46 million in cap room, while Atlanta gains CJ McCollum with a $30.6 million expiring contract and roughly $40 million in cap space to build around Jalen Johnson.
- Wizards are not expected to pursue an immediate extension and will evaluate Young's health once he arrives in Washington; the deal contains no draft-pick compensation and reunites Young with Travis Schlenk ahead of the February trade deadline.
132 Articles
132 Articles
Wizards Face Key Decision on Trae Young as $49M Option Looms
The Washington Wizards have officially entered a new phase of their rebuild after acquiring Trae Young in a deal that surprised much of the league. Washington landed the former All-Star from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, with no draft picks changing hands.The return raised eyebrows, but the move was less about immediate wins and more about long-term flexibility. Young arrives in Washington dealing with an ankle…
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