Trae Young’s Future with the Hawks in Question
Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks appear to be on the verge of parting ways. They’re currently looking for a resolution before the NBA trade deadline in February. Young, who was the fifth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, has spent his entire career in Atlanta. He holds a player option worth $48.9 million for next season, but if he opts out, he could hit free agency after the 2026-27 season.
Earlier this season, Young missed 22 games due to an MCL sprain, and during his absence, the Hawks seemed to perform surprisingly well. Their record without him stands at 15-12, and it’s been noted that their defense improved. Despite that, Young remains one of the league’s most skilled offensive creators and would be a significant asset for any team seeking a dynamic playmaker. Interestingly enough, reports indicate a strong contender for Young’s services, which might be unexpected for some.
The Washington Wizards have emerged as a “serious trade possibility” for Young, as highlighted by insider Mark Stein. With one of the NBA’s weakest records this season, the Wizards are in a position to clear substantial cap space this summer. They aim to secure a top lottery pick for the 2026 NBA Draft, and Young could blend well with potential prospects like Duke’s Cameron Boozer, Kansas’s Darrin Peterson, and BYU’s AJ DiVanza.
Although the Wizards have faced challenges this season, their younger players are developing nicely. The second overall pick from the 2024 draft, Alex Sarr, has shown great improvement in scoring. Meanwhile, recent performances from second-year player Kishawn George and third-year player Bilal Koulibaly, who just returned from injury, have been promising. Add in rookie sharpshooter Tre Johnson, selected fifth overall in the 2025 draft, and it makes sense for Washington to consider acquiring Young.
Young’s exceptional skills as a ball handler and passer could complement the Wizards’ young core, most of whom excel at finishing plays. His ability to create opportunities for teammates like Sarr and Johnson could significantly speed up their development while he maintains his scoring abilities. Plus, with Washington looking at adding defensive talent, they could effectively cover for Young’s defensive shortcomings.
The basic structure of a trade might involve the Hawks sending CJ McCollum’s expiring contract to Atlanta. As part of the deal, two rising players, Cam Whittemore and rookie Will Riley, would head to Washington, along with some draft picks.
But who else is interested in Trae Young? There are several other possibilities.
Miami Heat
Always on the hunt for stars, the Heat see Young as a valuable asset. They would be able to keep all their draft picks and emerging second-year player Keel Ware in a potential deal.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves have long sought a point guard to complement Anthony Edwards. Unfortunately, their previous trade for Rob Dillingham hasn’t panned out. Bringing Young aboard would free Edwards to focus on scoring, and with Minnesota’s solid defense, they could mitigate Young’s defensive flaws. However, matching salaries might prove challenging, possibly necessitating a multi-team deal.
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are experiencing a challenging season, and if they don’t want to risk draft compensation for a trade, Young could inject some much-needed excitement into the team. If the Hawks find Michael Porter Jr. appealing, this trade could turn beneficial for both sides.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets boast size and strength, making them a fitting match for Young’s playmaking needs. Their current half-court offense relies heavily on offensive rebounds, and adding Young could provide a better passer to create scoring chances. A trade involving Young and injured Fred VanVleet could be a solid starting point.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers have seen a turnaround recently after struggling earlier in the season. There are thoughts that they might even trade Kawhi Leonard, but adding a younger star like Young seems like a bold, albeit intriguing, move.
Overall, the Wizards currently seem to have the upper hand. Speculation points toward Trae Young being traded to Washington in the near future, likely with little in the way of draft compensation for Atlanta.
