The Atlanta Hawks traded their star point guard, Trae Young, to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. Shams Charania announced the trade during the Hawks home game on January 7, 2026.
The Atlanta Hawks have been an average basketball team for the past few years. They finished as a play-in team for the past three years, finishing ninth, tenth, and seventh in the Eastern Conference. Both the fans and the team knew it was time for a change.
During the off-season, they acquired valuable assets like Kristaps Porzingis and Nickiel Alexander-Walker. With rising stars including Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, and Zaccharie Risacher, the fans expect the Hawks to be an exciting team in the 2025-2026 NBA season.
The Hawks currently have an underwhelming record of 20-21. Although there were some bright moments for the team, overall, they struggled to get over the hump. Trae Young declined in efficiency, averaging 19.3 points per game, 1.5 rebounds per game, and 8.9 assists per game. Jalen Johnson is having an incredible season after taking a great leap, moving himself past Trae Young as the number one option.
After a rough start, rumors began to flood the internet of a trade. A few days later, Shams confirmed that Trae Young requested a trade and wanted out of Atlanta. This left a shocking impact on fans across the NBA.
“I was shocked when I opened up my phone and saw that Trae was traded.” said Isaiah Morris when asked about how he reacted to the news.
Before heading to Atlanta, CJ McCollum proved to be a good offensive engine for the Portland Trailblazers and New Orleans Pelicans, averaging 19 points for Portland in 2023. Fans and reporters thought he could turn into a star, yet he never had a breakout season. After the trade for Jordan Poole, McCollum’s stats declined in Washington.
The trade to send Trae Young to the Wizards in exchange for Corey Kispert and CJ McCollum to the Hawks left many people divided. Some people love the trade, while others are opposed to the trade.
“The Atlanta Hawks are stupid for trading Trae Young for CJ McCollum. They didn’t even get a pick in return.” says NBA fan Kevin Neal when asked about his thoughts on the trade.
“The city can revive me as much as I can revive it.” Young said when asked about his opinion on being traded.
Young said to a reporter when asked his thoughts on being traded. Young said it will be an “opportunity to be myself.”
The people are waiting to see the effects of this trade soon. Both teams will play separate games on Friday 16, 2026 as the Wizards face off against the Sacramento Kings. The Hawks will go against the Portland Trailblazers.