Reports also indicate that the Washington Wizards have emerged as a legitimate potential trade destination for Hawks star Trae Young, with any deal likely centered on guard CJ McCollum’s expiring contract.
Trae Young’s time in Atlanta may be nearing its end.
According to senior NBA insider Shams Charania, Young and his agents Aaron Mintz, Drew Morrison, and Austin Brown have been working closely with the Hawks on a potential trade.
Adding fuel to the speculations, league insider Marc Stein reported just minutes before Charania’s news that the Washington Wizards have emerged as a “legitimate potential trade destination” for Young.
He added that any deal could center on veteran guard CJ McCollum’s expiring contract heading back to Atlanta.
Young has struggled with injuries this season, appearing in just 10 games while averaging 19.3 points, 1.5 rebounds and 8.9 assists — his lowest scoring and assist averages since his rookie season in 2018–19.
Ironically, the Hawks have fared better without him this season, posting a 15–12 record compared to 2–8 with Young on the floor.
Jalen Johnson has stepped up in his absence, flirting with a triple-double average of 24.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 8.5 assists, while off-season acquisition Nickeil Alexander-Walker (20.7 PPG) also emerged as another offensive weapon for the Hawks. 20.7 points per game.
Drafted fifth overall in 2018, Young is the face of the Hawks franchise and holds the team’s all-time records for three-pointers and assists.
He has led Atlanta to three postseason appearances, including an Eastern Conference Finals run in 2021.
Young is under contract for $45.9 million this season with Atlanta, with a player option worth $48.9 million in 2026–27 that he could decline to explore free agency.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.