The Atlanta Hawks and representatives for point guard Trae Young are actively pursuing a trade ahead of the NBA’s Feb. 5 deadline, league sources told ESPN. Young, 27, is in his eighth season with Atlanta and earns $46 million this year with a $49 million player option for 2026-27.
Why Atlanta is listening
Atlanta entered the season expecting to contend for a top-four seed after general manager Onsi Saleh added Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kristaps Porziņģis and secured an unprotected 2026 first-round pick from either New Orleans or Milwaukee. Instead, the Hawks are 2-8 in the 10 games Young has played, and their defensive rating jumps from 115.5 to 126.2 when he is on the floor. The front office declined to extend Young last summer, extended guard Dyson Daniels for four years and $100 million and has watched forward Jalen Johnson emerge during Young’s injury absence.
Market challenges
Finding a partner is complicated by the league-wide depth at point guard and Young’s sizable contract. Few teams can absorb his salary under the restrictive cap aprons. One of the limited fits is Washington, which holds large expirings and lacks a long-term floor general.
Four offers under consideration
1. Wizards package centered on CJ McCollum
Washington receives Young and a 2031 second-round pick (better of Atlanta or Houston).
Atlanta receives Malaki Branham, AJ Johnson, McCollum and a 2026 first-round pick (worst of Clippers, Rockets or Thunder). The 3-for-1 swap trims future payroll and supplies immediate playmaking via McCollum.
2. Three-team scenario with Wizards and Kings
Washington gets Young and a top-55-protected 2026 second-rounder from Charlotte.
Atlanta adds Branham, Devin Carter, Johnson, Malik Monk, Dario Šarić and the same 2026 first-rounder.
Sacramento acquires McCollum, clearing Monk’s remaining two years and $42 million.
3. Bucks bid built around future pick
Milwaukee obtains Young.
Atlanta takes Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, Gary Harris and Milwaukee’s lone tradable first-round pick in 2031, a selection that could gain value as Giannis Antetokounmpo approaches age 36.
4. Trail Blazers seek playmaker
Portland lands Young to address a playmaking shortage.
Atlanta receives Jerami Grant and Robert Williams III. Grant is signed through 2026-27 with a 2027-28 player option, extending Atlanta’s salary obligations by one year.
Front-office preference
ESPN cap analyst Bobby Marks lists the first Wizards proposal as Atlanta’s best option. It removes Young’s $49 million salary for 2026-27, supplies a rotation-level guard and adds a future first-round pick. Marks notes the Hawks may still need to attach additional draft compensation to offset Young’s contract.
With the deadline one month away, Atlanta continues to weigh flexibility, on-court fit and draft assets as it evaluates the offers on the table.
Source: ESPN
