It really is the end of an era in Atlanta. After more than seven seasons as the face of the franchise, Trae Young has been traded to the Washington Wizards, marking one of the most significant NBA moves of the season.
The deal, first reported by respected league insider Shams Charania, sees the Atlanta Hawks receive CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert in return. For Atlanta, it signals a clear shift in direction. For Washington, it is a statement of intent.
Why did the Hawks finally move on from Trae Young?
Trae Young arrived in Atlanta in 2018 as a franchise-changing talent and quickly became one of the NBA’s most recognisable guards.
His deep shooting range, confidence with the ball and ability to run an offence made him the centrepiece of the Hawks’ rebuild.
However, success at the highest level proved difficult to sustain. Despite memorable play-off moments, Atlanta struggled to take the next step as a consistent contender.
Injuries also disrupted Young’s latest campaign, limiting him to just 10 appearances this season.
During that stretch, Young averaged 19.3 points and 8.9 assists, numbers that remain strong but below his usual standards. Behind the scenes, a growing sense emerged that both the player and the club needed a fresh start.
Shams Charania: “The Atlanta Hawks have traded Trae Young to the Washington Wizards, ending his seven-year run as the franchise cornerstone.”
Young had long been understood to favour Washington as a destination, making the deal feel inevitable once talks gained momentum.
What does Trae Young give the Washington Wizards?
For the Wizards, this is a franchise-defining acquisition. At 27, Young is still in his prime and brings elite scoring and playmaking to a Washington side that has lacked a clear on-court leader.
Trae Young is the first person in human history to say “I want to play for the Washington Wizards” pic.twitter.com/d3Odg8YNRh
— Onyx (@OnyxOdds) January 7, 2026
Over his career, he has averaged 25.2 points and 9.8 assists, while earning multiple All-Star selections and an All-NBA honour.
Washington Wizards will now hand him control of the offence, with the expectation that his creativity and shooting will accelerate their rebuild.
Even for UK fans watching late-night games on Sky Sports, the Wizards instantly become a more compelling team to follow.
How do CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert fit in Atlanta?
Atlanta’s return is about balance rather than star power. CJ McCollum arrives as a proven veteran scorer, averaging 18.6 points per game this season.
His experience and calm presence should help stabilise a Hawks squad that is shifting its focus towards youth development.
Corey Kispert, meanwhile, offers reliable perimeter shooting. Averaging 9.2 points per game while hitting nearly 40% from three-point range, he provides spacing and flexibility on the wing, something Atlanta has lacked at times.
Notably, Young watched from the sidelines as the Hawks recorded a 117–100 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, snapping a two-game skid and perhaps underlining the organisation’s readiness to turn the page.
Is this the start of a new era in Atlanta?
Rather than a full rebuild, Atlanta appears to be reshaping their identity.
The Hawks are now placing greater emphasis on a young core featuring Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu and Zaccharie Risacher, while McCollum’s leadership offers short-term competitiveness.
This approach enables Atlanta to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference while providing emerging players with the minutes and responsibility necessary for development.
