The Atlanta Hawks are sending four-time All-Star Trae Young to the Washington Wizards in exchange for veteran guard CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, Afrosport reports.
Young, 27, leaves Atlanta after more than seven seasons as franchise leader, reuniting with Wizards executive Travis Schlenk, who drafted him in 2018. The move gives Washington a proven lead guard to spearhead their rebuilding project and adds experience to their young core.
The trade marks a new era for the Hawks, with rising stars such as Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu, and Zaccharie Risacher expected to take on a larger role.
Meanwhile, the arrival of McCollum provides veteran leadership, while Kispert strengthens wing depth. The deal also frees significant salary cap space, giving Atlanta flexibility for potential big moves in the summer.
BREAKING: The Atlanta Hawks are trading four-time NBA All-Star Trae Young to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/WIf8rhrRFu
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 8, 2026
Young has $95 million remaining on his contract through 2026-27, with a player option in the offseason. He has battled injuries this season, including dealing with a right MCL sprain early in the campaign.
The four-time NBA All-Star has missed Atlanta’s last six games due to a right quad contusion, but still averaged 19.3 points and 8.9 assists in 10 appearances. McCollum, meanwhile, has averaged 18.8 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.5 rebounds, while Kispert contributes 9.2 points per game.
During his time with the Hawks, Young became the franchise’s all-time leader in 3-pointers (1,295) and assists (4,837). He led Atlanta to three playoff appearances, including a run to the Eastern Conference finals in 2021.
His career averages stand at 25.3 points and 9.8 assists per game, ranking him among the elite playmakers in NBA history. He led the league last season in assists with 11.6 per game and has one All-NBA selection to his name.
The Wizards have struggled this season, ranking near the bottom in guard scoring, assists, and offensive efficiency. Young’s arrival is expected to immediately boost their attack and provide a foundation for future growth, while Atlanta moves forward with a younger, deeper roster and more flexibility for the offseason.
Washington (10-28) are 14th in the Eastern Conference and had won five of their last seven games before Wednesday night’s 131-110 defeat in Philadelphia.
The Hawks (18-21), on the other hand, are ninth in the East, having defeated the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. In the 10 games Young played this season, they finished with a 2-0 record.
