Trae Young is on the move.
The four-time All-Star was traded by the Hawks to the Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday.
Trade buzz intensified this week when Charania reported that Young’s agents had been in contact with the Hawks about exploring trade options, with Marc Spears adding that Young was “open minded” about playing for another squad.
As things seemed to ramp up Wednesday, ESPN reported Young’s preferred destination would be the Wizards. He now gets his wish.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) yells at the referee during the game against the Chicago Bulls during the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Jordan Godfree-Imagn ImagesYoung, 27, has played in just 10 games and is averaging 19.3 points and 8.9 assists, both below his career averages of 25.2 and 9.8, respectively.
He’s missed the past six contests with a right quadriceps contusion and previously dealt with an MCL sprain this year.
After this season, Young, a 2021-22 All-NBA selection, has a $49 million player option for 2026-27 after he notably did not get an extension from Atlanta this past summer.
He now joins a Wizards team that’s sitting at 10-26, 15th in the Eastern Conference and, at least before the trade, has a better chance to get a strong lottery pick in the NBA draft than at sniffing the postseason.
Washington Wizards guard CJ McCollum (3) drives to the basket during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Capital One Arena. Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn ImagesThe Hawks (17-21) get McCollum (18.8 points per game) and Kispert (9.2 ppg) as they look to make a move up the East standings. Entering Wednesday’s play, they sat 10th in the conference.
McCollum is a free agent after this season and Kispert is under contract for at least the next 2 ¹/₂ seasons. He has club option for 2028-29.
