The Washington Wizards are Trae Young top preferred trade destination, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
This comes two days after The Stein Line reported that Washington had emerged as a “legitimate trade candidate” for Young. ESPN reported Monday that Young and his representation are working with the Atlanta Hawks on a trade.
Young, 27, is owed $45 million this season and has a $49 million player option for the 2026-27 campaign. While the shifty point guard boasts averages of 19.3 points and 8.9 assists per contest, the Hawks are much better (15-12) in games he has missed due to injury than they are with him (2-8).
Should Young be dealt to Washington, reports indicate CJ McCollum’s expiring $30.6 million contract will be sent to Atlanta. Other Wizards players who could be involved to make the salaries match include AJ Johnson and Malaki Branham, who have both seen a noticeable increase in playing time over the last two weeks.
Washington would be helping Atlanta get off of Young’s $49 million salary next season, which means additional draft capital could be sent the Wizards’ way. The Hawks have several first- and second-round picks they could send, including the New Orleans Pelicans’ unprotected 2026 first-round pick.
A notable nugget: Young was selected No. 5 by the Hawks in 2018. Atlanta’s general manager at the time: Travis Schlenk, who now serves as the Wizards’ Vice President of Player Personnel.