Hawks Shock the NBA: Trae Young's Jaw-Dropping Trade to Wizards—What Happens Next?

The NBA's trade season has kicked off with significant developments, as the Atlanta Hawks and the Washington Wizards made headlines announcing a blockbuster trade involving star guard Trae Young. As of January 9, 2026, Young is set to join the Wizards, while the Hawks will welcome veteran guard CJ McCollum and forward Corey Kispert to their roster.

This trade comes amid speculation surrounding both teams as they aim to restructure and improve their standings as the season progresses. Young’s journey to Washington represents a new chapter for a player who has been a pivotal figure for the Hawks since being drafted fifth overall in the 2018 NBA Draft.

In return, the Wizards have given up McCollum, who has averaged 18.8 points over 35 games this season and has a career average of 19.6 points per game. Kispert, a backup forward, holds a career average of 10.9 points, with a shooting percentage of 38% from beyond the arc. Both players were held out of the Wizards' recent loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, hinting at the impending trade.

For the Wizards, Young represents a bold move to energize their lineup. However, it’s worth noting that he will miss the upcoming home game against the New Orleans Pelicans due to a right quad contusion and a right knee MCL sprain. His absence raises questions about how quickly he can integrate into the Wizards’ system and what kind of impact he can make upon his return.

Young leaves Atlanta having built an impressive legacy. He is the franchise's career leader in both assists and three-pointers, surpassing the records previously held by Doc Rivers and Mookie Blaylock, respectively. Additionally, he ranks fourth in free throws made and sixth in points scored in Hawks history. His accolades include four All-Star selections, though he often finds himself overshadowed by other stars in the league, such as Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, and James Harden.

Interestingly, the Hawks have had a better win-loss record without Young this season. They are 16-13 without him compared to a dismal 2-8 when he plays, raising eyebrows about his effectiveness on the court. Historically, the Hawks have won 49% of games when Young is absent, compared to 45% when he’s in the lineup. This statistic could indicate systemic issues within the team that go beyond individual performance.

The trade also comes at a time when Young has a player option of approximately $49 million for the upcoming season and is eligible for a three-year extension with the Wizards. This financial aspect adds another layer of complexity to the deal, as both teams are looking to not only reshape their current rosters but also ensure financial flexibility for future seasons.

As both teams navigate this significant shift, the implications extend beyond just immediate gameplay. For the Wizards, acquiring Young could mean a potential franchise cornerstone, while the Hawks aim to recalibrate their strategy moving forward. This trade serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NBA, where every decision can have ripple effects throughout the league.

As fans eagerly await to see how these changes unfold, one thing is clear: the landscape of the Eastern Conference might shift dramatically with this pivotal move. The upcoming games will be crucial for both teams as they adapt to their new lineups and seek to make playoff pushes.