The Atlanta Hawks are collaborating with Trae Young's representatives to find a trade destination for the four-time All-Star guard as the NBA trade deadline approaches. The Washington Wizards have emerged as a legitimate suitor, with discussions centering on CJ McCollum's expiring contract. Young's openness to a move comes amid the Hawks' strong performance without him and the rise of Jalen Johnson.
With the NBA trade deadline set for February 5, the Atlanta Hawks and Trae Young's agents have begun collaborative talks over the past week to resolve his future, according to ESPN reports. Young, who has spent seven-and-a-half seasons with the Hawks and earned four All-Star selections, is in the fourth year of a five-year contract worth nearly $46 million this season, with a $49 million player option for 2026-27. He has missed 27 games this season due to leg injuries, including a right MCL sprain in late October.
The Hawks went 13-9 without Young, showing a better net rating of plus-0.2 when he was on the bench compared to minus-6.8 with him on the floor. Rising star Jalen Johnson, 24, has averaged 24.0 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 8.5 assists, highlighting Young's diminished role. Upon Young's mid-December return, the team struggled, going 0-5 without Kristaps Porziņģis, who has been sidelined by illness.
Young remains "open-minded" to a trade but is not demanding one, as per ESPN's Marc Spears. He seeks a star-level extension, which the Hawks declined to offer this summer, opening the door for a move. Marc Stein reported the Wizards as a potential destination, with a deal possibly involving CJ McCollum's $30.6 million expiring contract. The Wizards, in their third straight tanking season at 9-25 and 14th in the East, could absorb Young's salary and have about $80 million in cap space next summer after McCollum's and Khris Middleton's deals expire.
However, Young's 6-foot-2 frame raises defensive concerns for Washington, ranked 29th in points allowed per 100 possessions. The Hawks, currently 17-20 and 10th in the East, view this as pivotal for Young's future. Other rumored suitors like Sacramento have no interest, per sources. No deep trade discussions have advanced yet, leaving Young's market limited.