In a stunning, but not totally unexpected turn of events, the Atlanta Hawks have moved on from their franchise point guard. The Hawks traded Young to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert.

There were increasing murmurings in recent days that a deal might come to fruition. Naming the specifics of the destination and the main trade centerpiece, CJ McCollum, are the telltale signs a deal is nearing completion.

There were reports that both teams thought they deserved draft capital. The Hawks for trading a 4x All-Star. The Wizards for taking on a potential $49 million in 2027. In the end, the two teams agreed to a stalemate with no draft picks exchanging hands in a rare player only deal for an All-Star.

Trade Details

Atlanta Hawks:

  • CJ McCollum, G
  • Corey Kispert, G/F

Washington Wizards:

  • Trae Young, G

Trade Grades

The Hawks came into the season with expectations of disruption in a weakened Eastern Conference. This was signaled by off-season acquisitions of Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard. At the time, prudent moves to bring defense and shooting to a team revolving around Trae Young’s orbital offense and black hole defense.

Who knew they would decide their best chance would be to part ways with 4x NBA All-Star and the face of the franchise for the past 7 years.

Did we all of a sudden forget that Trae brought the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021? Bowing as he broke Knicks fans hearts, before eventually losing 2-4 to the eventual champion Milwaukee Bucks. The same player who was FIRST in the NBA in assists 3 out of the last 4 seasons.

It’s true the Hawks went 11-7 in the 18 game stretch Trae was out with a sprained right MCL, and 4-9 since his return. It’s also true that NAW is having a standout year averaging 20.6 points per game in addition to his normal stellar defense. But you cannot convince me this deal makes sense.

Even if we accept that the Hawks might be better without Trae, and his defensive liabilities, at least get something of value for him. They dumped him for the expiring contract of CJ McCollum and a solid, but uninspiring shooter in Corey Kispert. That’s it. No picks, no pick swaps, no project young players who show flashes of All-Star potential.

Maybe the Hawks have a clear plan to use this newfound financial flexibility to acquire another star player. But even if they acquire Anthony Davis, I will not consider this a “win”. Davis at his peak is an all-around superior player to Young. However, he is looking a very old 32, seemingly more injury prone with every game that passes. And if money were the Hawks concern, well… Davis is due $58 million next year with a $62 million player option in 2027.

Atlanta Hawks: D

Turns out the cost of doing business, sometimes isn’t that high.

It’s a brand new era of the NBA, one that seems to have over-corrected for finances. This trade is the latest evidence that second tier star players on annual salaries, are now surprisingly undervalued.

For a Washington franchise that has been middling for years, this is a huge win.

The Wizards are clearly in rebuild mode, but this is a great low cost move. Trae will bring stability and a face to the franchise that has been missing since their elongated and messy divorce with Bradley Beal.

Young joins an interesting Wizards team that has acquired young talent such as bigman Alex Sarr and wings Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington and Cam Whitmore.

The missing piece? A true point guard. Trae Young has played that role before to some critical acclaim.

Best of all, there is limited financial commitment today, with Young only having a player option for next season at $48 million.

Washington Wizards: A+