The Wizards are the top team on Trae Young‘s list of preferred destinations, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, who stated during an appearance on NBA Today (Twitter video link) that the Hawks have gained some traction in their trade talks with Washington.
NBA insider Marc Stein was the first to report earlier this week that the Wizards and Hawks had engaged in negotiations about a possible trade that would send Young to Washington and veteran guard CJ McCollum to Atlanta.
Subsequent reporting has suggested that the Hawks are willing to be patient as they gauge Young’s trade market and that the two Southeast rivals still have work to do to figure out what the rest of a deal would look like — Washington is reportedly seeking draft compensation from Atlanta and is said to be reluctant to part with the sort of young talent the Hawks would want along with McCollum.
While other teams are reportedly monitoring Young’s situation, the Wizards are the only club confirmed to be a viable suitor so far, so the fact that the 27-year-old would be on board with a move to D.C. bodes well for a potential deal.
Although Washington isn’t exactly a title contender, the rebuilding team has played better as of late, with five wins in its past seven games, and its young core could benefit from the addition of an elite play-maker like Young, despite concerns about his defense.
Additionally, the Wizards have no significant multiyear contracts on their cap, meaning they’re well positioned to accommodate Young’s $49MM player option for 2026/27 — or a potential contract extension that replaces that option, which is presumably the outcome the four-time All-Star and his camp are hoping for.
As Charania notes, Young also has a connection to Wizards senior vice president of player personnel Travis Schlenk, who drafted the former Oklahoma Sooners star when he was the general manager of the Hawks.
Young is currently on the shelf due to a right quad contusion and will miss a sixth consecutive game on Wednesday when the Hawks host the Pelicans.
Don’t do it Washington before you mess up the rebuild in which you are almost done with. One more draft and the playoffs next season. Draft Wilson and a PG with Bub. You don’t need damaged goods like someone else in this site said.
Atlanta should be ashamed of themselves for entertaining or considering this
Not sure I understand the last part of your comment – why should Atlanta be ashamed for trading Trae? If they are unwilling to consider an extension, a trade is really their only option to extract any value from this situation. Why shouldn’t a team explore this option?
Oh, the money lols. The wizards, good lord. Are the wizards dumb enough to give up their 2026 first? Or is Atlanta dumb enough to attach a first to Trae? Not the time to be giving up picks with this CBA.
Miami, Toronto, Chicago, Kings, Bucks, Brooklyn, Pelicans and Phoenix are better fits than Washington
None of these teams are interested in him.
Literally no one on Washington is getting paid big. CJ and Middleton expire, they are likely buying out Middleton as I don’t see anyone trading for him. Kispert has extension but not near a max. Getting Young gives them extended big contract to move in 2 years as he may get extension.
Wizards have 6 picks this year and 2027, like 8 are 2nd rounders and the OKC pick will likely be a bottom 5 1st. Too many picks and not enough roster spots so moving the picks is not a bad thing. Trae isn’t a guy I care for but they are not getting a true star in other deals. The true stars get more say.
Simple: Hawks will be better, Wizards will be worse, and with Washington desperate to hang onto their protected pick, that’s a win-win. His gravity and passing skills on offense will help the young’ns develop on that end and his “defense” will ensure they lose plenty.
Wizards will have payroll next year to bring in players so why mess that up with a over paid player. I would not be surprised if McCollum goes to warriors for Kuminga. Wizards could give him a shot if he is worth picking up the team option.
It’s only for one extra year, though, unless they decide to extend him. And what top players would want to sign with a bad team like the Wizards? They’d likely have to overpay in FA anyway. At least this way they get an elite playmaker who can help the young players grow. It’s fine as a stopgap while they see how things develop over the next year+.
Its why i think they should go for Kuminga. See if he is all star potential and they have nothing to lose if he fails. He would easily sign there if they offer him a long term contract.
Does he have the good mentality?
“Wizards will have payroll next year to bring in players so why mess that up with a over paid player. ”
Washington will be 80 million under the salary floor. They will need to fill that with either free agents or by taking on salary in exchange for expiring contracts (CJ). Trae could be that guy who brings the team closer to the salary floor.
And Atlanta would have to attach something in that move, imo. If they don’t, there are better ways in which the Wiz can spend their cap space.
Would be nice if they could do a McCollum and Kispert for Young swap. Not sure it would make sense for Atlanta but that would be the cleanest move for Washington.
^ how about that…..called it!
Why would the Wizards send out a pick? If they are sending out 2025-26 salaries @ $37m and taking back $46m, and the risk that he’ll pick up a $49m option for next year, it wouldn’t be in order to get better. It would be to take on additional salary in exchange for draft or developmental assets.
I could see them sending 2 2nds and maybe the OKC pick in exchange for a likely higher pick from ATL in the move.
or
kicking back the picks 2 2nds and ATL moves 2 2nds from 2031/32 or something.
This story is obviously made up by Youngs pr, he thinks out all teams that have ability to trade for him that would give him extension.
His preference is a losing Organization? Wack.
Just shows Trae doesn’t care about winning. Wizards over Magic, wolves, grizz or even kings? Yikes!
He wants Wolves and Nets but they have no interest in him. Magic don’t have interest in him.
Kings said they didn’t want him either, they seem to prefer Garland.
Just follow the money. The Wizards (Travis) will give him his extension.
An NBA team has to meet a cap amount so you have to spend money somewhere. Utah took Collins a contract so they could hit the limit. Q
I’m aware.
Cavs paid Mozgov does that mean it was wise? Grizzlies overpaid Chandler Parsons before too. Was it smart?
CJ and Ice Cube both don’t play defense. Sounds like a trade to me.