NBA insider Shams Charania reported on Wednesday that the Atlanta Hawks traded Trae Young to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, trade talks between the two teams intensified Wednesday night, but “draft compensation” held up the negotiation. Eventually, the Hawks agreed to send the four-time All-Star without any coveted draft capital.
A fan reacted to the news:
“Trade value of doom and hell.”
One fan said:
“Hawks should’ve traded Trae 2-3 years ago instead of waiting for this poor return. A solid buy low for the Wizards.”
“From t5 offensive player to getting traded for free.”
“This trade is hilarious.”
“Traded their face of the franchise for 35 year old CJ McCollum.”
The Hawks and the diminutive point guard were unable to reach an extension agreement over the summer. Young is in the books this season for $45.9 million and has a $48.9 million player option next season.
The failure to get an extension and the emergence of Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson were developments that made Trae Young’s time in Atlanta numbered. When Ice Trae went down with an MCL injury in late October, the Hawks managed to survive without him. They were 15-13 this season without their floor general.
CJ McCollum is on an expiring $30.6 million contract this season, giving the Hawks cap flexibility after his deal ends. Corey Kispert is on a team-friendly four-year, $54 million contract. He is averaging 9.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. The 26-year-old forward can be part of the Hawks’ future.
Trae Young joins young Wizards backcourt
Trae Young will take over the veteran presence of CJ McCollum in Washington. Young joins a backcourt that includes 22-year-old Kyshawn George, a do-it-all combo guard for the Wizards. George is averaging 15.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 5.1 apg and 1.0 spg. With Young’s arrival, George’s playmaking duties are likely to take a hit.
The Wizards’ backcourt also has 19-year-old Tre Johnson, the No. 6 pick of the 2025 NBA draft out of Texas. Johnson is averaging 12.0 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 1.8 apg. Johnson often shares playmaking duties with George.
Trae Young’s numbers are down this season. He is averaging 19.3 ppg, 8.9 apg, 1.5 rpg and 1.0 spg. As easily the Wizards’ highest-paid player, he is expected to have a lion’s share of the minutes at point guard.
The former Hawks star led the NBA in assists last season with 11.6 dimes per outing. If he can stay healthy, Washington’s offense gets a boost with his playmaking and shooting. George and Johnson could learn from one of the league’s best in manipulating defenses.
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