Trae Young Trade Talks Center on Wizards; Hawks Continue to Gauge Market
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January 6, 2026 — The Washington Wizards remain the leading candidate to acquire three-time All-Star guard Trae Young, but league sources say no agreement with the Atlanta Hawks is imminent. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reports that discussions between the two clubs have been limited, and Atlanta intends to keep testing the market over the coming weeks.
According to ESPN, Young and the Hawks are working together to locate a suitable trade partner. Ideally, that team would be willing to negotiate an extension after completing a deal, though it is unclear whether Washington would commit to a new contract. Josh Robbins of The Athletic notes the Wizards could treat a potential acquisition as a one-year trial, anticipating that Young would pick up his $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season if no extension is reached. An in-season extension would require Young to decline that option.
Key pieces of a potential Wizards deal
Sources tell Siegel that Washington is seeking draft assets in addition to Young, while Atlanta wants young players to pair with CJ McCollum and his expiring $30.6 million contract. The Hawks have inquired about prospects such as Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly, and Tre Johnson, but the Wizards are reluctant to part with their top young talent.
Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron suggests a compromise in which Washington includes rotation wing Corey Kispert alongside McCollum, with Atlanta sending back a first-round pick swap.
Other proposed packages
In an ESPN roundup, Tim Bontemps explains why interest in Young is limited, while Kevin Pelton and Zach Kram outline four hypothetical trades. Analyst Bobby Marks favors a scenario that would send McCollum, Malaki Branham, AJ Johnson, and Oklahoma City’s 2026 first-round pick to Atlanta for Young and a future second-rounder, though Marks questions whether Washington would accept without additional draft compensation for absorbing Young’s possible $49 million salary next season.
Clubs currently not pursuing Young
The Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets, previously linked to Young, are not expected to pursue him at this time, Siegel writes. Sam Amick of The Athletic reports the same regarding the Sacramento Kings. Meanwhile, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic views the Minnesota Timberwolves as an unlikely destination, citing Young’s $46 million cap hit this season and $49 million option for next year.
The Hawks are expected to keep fielding offers as the trade market evolves, with Washington still positioned as the most prominent suitor for the 25-year-old guard.
Source: Hoops Rumors
