The NBA’s trade calendar opened with a jolt Wednesday night when the Washington Wizards acquired four-time All-Star guard Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for veterans CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert.
Why Atlanta moved now
Atlanta declined to extend Young last summer, signaling a potential split after seven seasons with the No. 5 pick in the 2018 draft. The club instead committed four years and $162 million to guards Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. With the Hawks going 2-8 in Young’s 10 appearances this season and surrendering 14 more points per 100 possessions when he played, management chose to act before the Feb. 5 deadline.
The trade clears roughly $30 million in future cap space and allows Atlanta to lean on a developing nucleus of Jalen Johnson, top pick Zaccharie Risacher, Daniels and Alexander-Walker, alongside centers Onyeka Okongwu or Kristaps Porziņģis. The Hawks also possess a potential top-six selection in the 2026 draft via New Orleans or Milwaukee.
Washington’s motivation
Washington, projected to have about $80 million in cap room this summer, viewed the deal as “pre-agency,” using space ahead of time to secure an elite playmaker. Young holds a $49 million player option for 2026-27, a figure the Wizards were comfortable absorbing after shedding Kispert’s $14 million salary.
The 27-year-old guard is expected to orchestrate an offense built around recent lottery picks Tre Johnson (2025), Alex Sarr (2024) and Kyshawn George (2024). League sources anticipate Washington will pursue a long-term extension with Young.
League reaction
Rival executives largely applauded Atlanta for moving an expensive, defense-challenged point guard in a position group viewed as the league’s deepest. Opinions on Washington were mixed; some scouts questioned adding wins when the club must keep its 2026 first-rounder, top-eight protected and otherwise owed to New York.
Young is returning from a sprained knee and quad bruise, and there is no timetable for his Wizards debut. Observers noted a parallel with Toronto’s 2025 deadline acquisition of Brandon Ingram, who sat out the remainder of that season while protecting the Raptors’ draft position.
Next steps for each team
The Hawks, after unloading salaries tied to Dejounte Murray and De’Andre Hunter, now hold financial flexibility and a younger, more balanced roster. Talks with the Dallas Mavericks regarding Anthony Davis have occurred but are not active, according to sources.
For Washington, preserving that 2026 pick remains a priority. With McCollum gone and Young’s availability uncertain, the front office can manage minutes to ensure the selection stays in the protected range.
Broader deadline outlook
Executives doubt a bigger name than Young will change teams before Feb. 5. Giannis Antetokounmpo has reiterated his commitment to Milwaukee, while Davis’ sizable contract and injury history have cooled interest. Limited draft capital and apron restrictions could keep many contenders quiet, though last season’s surprise trade involving Luka Dončić serves as a reminder that late fireworks remain possible.
The league now turns its attention to whether this early shock wave is an outlier or the first tremor of a turbulent trade season.
Source: ESPN
