The Wizards are ready to offer CJ McCollum's expiring contract for Trae Young and may include draft capital or players like Corey Kispert, Malaki Branham, or AJ Johnson to complete the deal.
The Washington Wizards have emerged as the early favorites to acquire four-time All-Star guard Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
Trae Young
Trae Young
Trae Young
MIN: 28.01
PTS: 19.3 (57.21%)
REB: 1.5
As: 8.9
ST: 0.9
BL: 0.2
TO: 2.6
GM: 10
According to Evan Sidery of Forbes, Washington is willing to center a potential offer around CJ McCollum's expiring contract and a future draft pick, in exchange for Young.
"The Wizards want the Hawks to include draft capital or a prospect alongside Trae Young in a potential trade framework," Sidery reported.
However, NBA insider Marc Stein reports that the Wizards would need to include additional players to match Young's salary.
McCollum is earning $30.7 million in the final year of his contract, while Young is making $46 million this season and holds a $49 million player option for the 2026–27 campaign.
To bridge that gap, Washington is reportedly considering adding pieces such as Corey Kispert, Malaki Branham, or AJ Johnson to the deal.
Credit Imagn/Scanpix
One notable factor in the Wizards' pursuit is the presence of Travis Schlenk, Atlanta's former general manager and the executive who drafted Young.
Schlenk now serves as Washington's senior vice president of player personnel and has long been a strong believer in Young's superstar potential. His influence is said to be significant in ongoing discussions between the two franchises.
For rebuilding teams, the appeal of trading for Young lies in the possibility of restoring his value and potentially flipping him again in 2027.
Young has been limited to just 10 games this season due to injuries, averaging 19.3 points on 41.5% shooting while dishing out 8.9 assists. He is currently in his eighth season with Atlanta.
Young emerged as the top trade name after it was reported on Monday that his camp and the Hawks are now working on a trade.
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