Analysts have awarded the Atlanta Hawks a 'B+' grade for trading four-time All-Star Trae Young to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum (from the Portland Trail Blazers) and Corey Kispert, as reported yesterday. The deal, confirmed on January 8, 2026, offers Atlanta cap flexibility and scoring options while giving Washington a playmaking leader.
Following the Hawks' trade of Trae Young—drafted in 2018 and a scoring-playmaking cornerstone—to the Wizards in exchange for veteran guard CJ McCollum and sharpshooter Corey Kispert, trade evaluators have praised Atlanta's haul with a 'B+' rating. This reflects the value of McCollum's short-term scoring punch and Kispert's cost-controlled shooting, alongside roughly $30 million in potential cap space from shedding Young's max deal.
For context, the Hawks (who improved to 16-13 without Young this season) gain lineup versatility, while the Wizards (10-26 but surging lately) bet low-risk on Young's offense to elevate talents like Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly. No draft picks changed hands, underscoring a league trend devaluing ball-dominant point guards on big contracts.
As part of the 2026 NBA trade deadline buzz, this move highlights strategic pivots: Atlanta eyes a rebuild around Jalen Johnson, and Washington retains cap room without long-term ties. Official details are set, but the trade's ripple effects, including boosted leverage for teams like the Knicks, continue to shape discussions.