The Atlanta Hawks and their franchise cornerstone, guard Trae Young, are reportedly moving towards a separation. According to information from seasoned NBA insiders, both parties are working together to facilitate a trade before the league's February deadline.
Trade Talks Gain Momentum with Wizards as Surprise Suitor
In a surprising twist, the Washington Wizards have emerged as a serious potential destination for the four-time All-Star. NBA analyst Marc Stein has identified the Wizards as a "legitimate potential trade destination" for Young. This development comes as the Hawks, led by General Manager Onsi Saleh, engage in what are described as constructive and cooperative negotiations with Young's representatives—agents Aaron Mintz, Drew Morrison, and Austin Brown.
The talks have gained urgency since the Hawks decided against offering a contract extension to the 27-year-old guard. Young, who is in his eighth season with Atlanta, is said to be "open-minded" about a move to a new team.
Contract Details and Potential Trade Framework
The financial aspects of any deal are complex. Trae Young is earning $46 million this season. His contract includes a player option worth $49 million for the 2026-27 campaign, part of a total package valued at $95 million for the current and upcoming seasons. If he declines that final option, he would become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027.
Analysts suggest that any significant trade package from the Hawks' perspective might center around acquiring a player like the Dallas Mavericks' Anthony Davis, which would likely require a multi-team framework. The Wizards, holding the fourth-worst record in the NBA, are projected to have significant salary cap space this summer. Their interest may hinge on pairing Young with a top prospect from the loaded 2026 NBA Draft class, which includes names like Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson, and A.J. Dybantsa.
Young's Legacy and Performance Amidst Uncertainty
Since being drafted fifth overall in 2018, Trae Young has been the face of the Hawks franchise. He is the team's all-time leader in both three-pointers and assists. He led Atlanta to three playoff appearances, most notably an Eastern Conference Finals run in 2021.
However, the current season has been challenging. Young missed 22 games earlier due to an MCL injury. In the 10 games he has played, he has averaged 19.3 points and 8.9 assists. Intriguingly, the Hawks posted a 15-12 record in his absence, with notable improvements on the defensive end. This has fueled discussions about team balance and future direction.
Despite the down year, Young remains one of the league's premier offensive creators. A team in need of a dynamic engine for both scoring and playmaking could find immense value in acquiring him, making the coming weeks leading to the trade deadline critical for his future and the Hawks' rebuild plans.
