Trae Young Reportedly Prefers Wizards as Primary Trade Destination
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January 7, 2026 — All-Star guard Trae Young is said to favor the Washington Wizards if the Atlanta Hawks move him before the trade deadline, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported during an appearance on “NBA Today.” Charania added that discussions between the two Southeast Division clubs have “gained traction.”
League insider Marc Stein first revealed earlier this week that Atlanta and Washington were talking about a framework that would send Young to the nation’s capital and veteran guard CJ McCollum to the Hawks. According to subsequent reports, the sides remain apart on the additional pieces required to finalize an agreement. Washington is seeking draft picks from Atlanta and is hesitant to include the young prospects the Hawks want alongside McCollum.
While other franchises are believed to be monitoring Young’s status, the Wizards are the only team currently viewed as a realistic suitor. Young’s reported willingness to relocate to Washington could therefore streamline negotiations.
Washington, though still rebuilding, has won five of its past seven games and features a youthful core that could benefit from Young’s playmaking. The club’s clean cap sheet—no significant multiyear deals are on the books—positions it to absorb the guard’s $49 million player option for 2026-27 or to negotiate an extension that would replace that option.
A front-office link may also aid talks: Wizards senior vice president of player personnel Travis Schlenk drafted Young in 2018 when he served as Atlanta’s general manager.
Young, 27, is currently sidelined with a right quad contusion and is expected to miss his sixth straight game Wednesday, when the Hawks host the New Orleans Pelicans.
Source: HoopsRumors
