Trae Young Traded to Washington Wizards, Ending Era in Atlanta

Trae Young’s time in Atlanta has officially come to an end. The four-time All-Star is headed to the nation’s capital after the Hawks agreed to trade their franchise cornerstone to the Washington Wizards in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert.

The move signals a major shift for both organizations. For Washington, Young brings star power, playoff experience, and veteran leadership to a young, rebuilding roster that features Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George, and rookie guard Tre Johnson. For Atlanta, the trade marks the close of one of the most impactful eras in franchise history and opens the door to a new direction.

Hawks head coach Quin Snyder declined to address the deal following Wednesday night’s win over the Toronto Raptors, citing league protocol.

“I know you all have questions for me right now,” Snyder told reporters. “I’m not at liberty to talk about or answer.” At the time, the trade was still awaiting formal NBA approval.

Trade Rumors Turned Reality

Speculation surrounding Young’s future had intensified earlier this month. On January 5, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Young and his representatives were working with the Hawks on potential trade scenarios, signaling that both sides were open to a change.

Young’s on-court availability this season only fueled the conversation. After suffering an MCL injury on October 31, he missed more than six weeks, during which Atlanta posted a solid 13–9 record. When Young returned from the knee sprain on December 18, the Hawks struggled, going 0–5 in the five games he played. His final appearance came on December 27 before a right quadriceps contusion sidelined him again.

A Historic Run in Atlanta

Despite the uneven finish, Young leaves Atlanta as one of the most accomplished players the franchise has ever seen. Acquired in a draft-night trade in 2018, he quickly became the face of the Hawks and a perennial offensive engine.

Over seven seasons, Young earned four All-Star selections and an All-NBA Third Team honor in 2022. He rewrote the franchise record books, becoming the Hawks’ all-time leader in assists and regular-season three-pointers made. During the 2024–25 season, he led the entire NBA in total assists, further cementing his reputation as one of the league’s elite playmakers.

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

Perhaps his most defining moment came in 2021, when Young guided Atlanta to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2015, delivering multiple clutch performances along the way. Across 493 regular-season games with the Hawks, he averaged 25.2 points and 9.8 assists per contest.

What Atlanta Gets in Return

Atlanta receives proven shooting and experience in return. McCollum, now in his 13th NBA season, is averaging 18.8 points per game and shooting 39.3 percent from beyond the arc, bringing reliable scoring and veteran stability to the backcourt.

Kispert, in his fifth season, has established himself as one of the league’s more dependable perimeter shooters, owning a career 38.3 percent mark from three-point range. His floor spacing and off-ball movement could immediately fit into the Hawks’ rotation.

A New Chapter for Both Teams

For Washington, acquiring Young represents a clear commitment to accelerating its rebuild with a bona fide star who can both lead and elevate a young core. For Atlanta, the trade closes a chapter defined by individual brilliance, deep playoff runs, and franchise milestones.

As Trae Young prepares for life in Washington, his legacy in Atlanta is already secure — not just as an All-Star, but as a player who reshaped the identity and ambition of the Hawks for nearly a decade.