Trae Young’s time with the Atlanta Hawks has come to an end. He’s heading to the Washington Wizards in a trade that brings veteran CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert to Atlanta.
This deal was first reported by NBA insider Marc Stein and later confirmed by ESPN. The Hawks coach, Quin Snyder, hinted at the trade during a press conference after a win over the New Orleans Pelicans, saying he couldn’t discuss ongoing business yet.
Before the trade became official, McCollum and Kispert did not play in a recent game against the Philadelphia 76ers, while Young sat on the bench, dressed casually. He left the bench during the game but took a moment to connect with fans before heading to the locker room.
Young leaves Atlanta with some impressive records. He’s the Hawks’ all-time leader in assists and three-pointers. He ranks fourth in free throws made and sixth in points scored. However, there has been some debate about his effectiveness. Statistics show that Atlanta performed better without him this season, winning 16 out of 29 games without him compared to only 2 wins out of 10 with him.
Mouhamed Gueye, a Hawks player, praised Young, calling him an “Atlanta legend.” Young has also made notable achievements since entering the NBA as the fifth pick in the 2018 draft. He ranks in the top ten for both points and assists among current players, alongside stars like Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić.
Yet, despite his accomplishments, Young doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves. He is a four-time All-Star but has sometimes been viewed as underrated compared to other players with similar stats.
Now, as Young transitions to the Wizards, he has a player option for about $49 million for next season, giving him choices about his future. McCollum, who has played for several teams including Portland, brings experience with a career scoring average of nearly 20 points per game. Kispert offers additional shooting support, hitting 38% from three-point range.
As this trade reshuffles player dynamics, both the Hawks and the Wizards will be closely monitored. NBA teams often need to make tough decisions to balance talent and team performance, making this a significant moment in both franchises’ paths forward.
For up-to-date insights on the NBA and player statistics, check out reliable sources like ESPN and the NBA’s official site.
