According to Shams Charania, Trae Young got his wish and will head to Washington to join the Wizards.
Trae was on the bench during the Hawks' game against the Pelicans when news broke – the Hawks traded four-time All-Star Trae Young to the Washington Wizards in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert.
“Washington senior executives Michael Winger and Will Dawkins have been looking for an anchor for their burgeoning young talent, and the team believes this trade is the next step in the organization's development process as it rebuilds. It also reunites Young with Wizards executive Travis Schlenk, who brought him to Atlanta on draft night in 2018,” Shams said.
Trae Young talks to staff and DC Youngfly after trade news breaks pic.twitter.com/P4zlSJFJYx
— Shabazz 💫 (@ShowCaseShabazz) January 8, 2026
Young has $95 million remaining on his contract through the 2026-27 season and has a player option in the summer.
After acquiring the guard, the Wizards will be $30 million below the luxury tax, leaving a roster spot to continue to pursue further transfers and assets and freeing up a massive $46 million in cap space for the summer.
“I know you all have questions for me, but right now I can't speak freely or answer them,” Eagles head coach Quin Snyder said after Wednesday's win because the deal has yet to be approved by the league.
Young could be seen shaking hands with Atlanta coaches on the sidelines, and the deal was all but bolstered.
Trae Young talks to staff and DC Youngfly after trade news breaks pic.twitter.com/P4zlSJFJYx
— Shabazz 💫 (@ShowCaseShabazz) January 8, 2026
Hawks power forward Mohamed Gueye said he had no idea the trade had become public during the game and was very complimentary of Young after the game.
“That's TY. That's Trae Young,” Gaye said. “When I first got here, he was one of the first guys that texted me, welcomed me to the city, gave me a lot of advice. Obviously, as a big man, it's like a dream come true to play with Trey. I love him as a person and I love him as a teammate. … Atlanta legend.”
Trae averaged 26.5 points and 10.2 assists in six seasons, leading the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021 and powering multiple top offenses.
Still, the Hawks have mostly been strong in their first-round games, and their defense has struggled with Young on the floor.
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