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The Atlanta Hawks have parted ways with four-time NBA All-Star point guard Trae Young and traded him to the Washington Wizards in a blockbuster move, according to ESPN.
The Hawks will reportedly receive veteran shooting guard CJ McCollum and forward Corey Kispert in the deal.
Washington was Young’s preferred destination, and the two sides were working on a deal to bring the 27-year-old point guard to the nation’s capital.
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Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during the game against the Boston Celtics during Round 1 Game 6 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2023 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. (Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
Young’s agents held talks with the Hawks, who are 17-21 so far this season, about trading their client out of Atlanta.
There’s also a mutual connection in Washington, as executive Travis Schlenk drafted Young fifth overall in 2018 out of Oklahoma.
It marks the end of an era for the Hawks. Young has been the focal point of their offense since being taken in that draft. He is the team’s career leader in three-pointers and assists, having led the team to the postseason in three of his eight seasons. The Hawks went the furthest in 2021, where they reached the Eastern Conference Finals.
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However, the new era was already brewing in Atlanta, where forward Jalen Johnson took the next step in his career by averaging 23.7 points per game this season. The acquisition of Nickeil Alexander-Walker also helps, as he has averaged 20.5 points per game. match in 36 appearances.
Meanwhile, Young has played just 10 games this season as he’s dealt with leg injuries, most notably a right MCL sprain.
Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on after the game against the Boston Celtics during Round 1 Game Five of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2023 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Hawks also gain some flexibility on their books as they could make a few more moves. Anthony Davis is reportedly available from the Dallas Mavericks, making him a good target for Atlanta.
Young has $95 million remaining on his deal that runs through the 2026-27 season, which includes a player option this offseason.
Atlanta will assume McCollum’s contract, even though the veteran guard has an expiring $30.6 million deal.
Through his 10 games this season, Young is averaging 19.2 points, 8.9 assists and 1.5 rebounds per game while shooting 41.5% from the field.
Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks drives down the court in the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at State Farm Arena on April 7, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Over his career, Young has dropped 25.2 points and 9.8 assists per game, while leading the league in the latter category last season with 11.6 per contest.
