Jalen Johnson, Trae Young
The Atlanta Hawks officially turned a page Wednesday night, agreeing to trade Trae Young to the Washington Wizards in a deal headlined by veteran guard CJ McCollum and forward Corey Kispert. While league rules prevented public comment before approval, the move sent immediate ripples through the organization and put new focus on Atlanta’s emerging cornerstone, Jalen Johnson.
Head coach Quin Snyder addressed the situation before questions even arrived following the Hawks’ win over New Orleans, noting he couldn’t speak on trade specifics, Spectrum News reports. The timing still made the shift unmistakable. Young remained on the bench in street clothes, briefly left the area in the fourth quarter, returned, then exited again for good with under a minute left, stopping to slap hands with fans on his way out.
The trade closed a defining chapter for Atlanta. Young leaves as the franchise leader in assists and three-pointers, and as one of the most productive offensive players in team history. Yet his departure also signaled confidence in what Johnson has become this season.
Johnson Credits Young for His Growth
Before stepping fully into the spotlight, Johnson made sure to acknowledge the teammate who helped shape his rise. The fifth-year forward spoke with appreciation when asked about Young’s impact, emphasizing the respect he holds for the guard both on and off the floor.
Johnson said Young supported him from the beginning and consistently showed belief in his development. He expressed gratitude for their time together and shared excitement for Young’s next chapter in Washington, calling the opportunity well earned.
“Trae was great…from day one, he always showed me love, and I’m very appreciative of the time we spent together and everything he’s done for the organization and everything he’s done for me,” Johnson said. “I’m excited for him and his next step in Washington.”
That support mattered early in Johnson’s career. Drafted in 2021, he played sparingly as a rookie, appearing in just 22 games with limited minutes. His role expanded the following season, and his production followed. This year, Johnson has taken another significant leap, posting career highs across the board and emerging as one of the league’s most versatile young forwards.
Johnson also highlighted what he learned by watching Young operate. He pointed to Young’s ability to read defenses, his feel for the game, and his commitment to making teammates better, traits that often went overlooked amid outside criticism.
Jalen Johnson on Trae Young after he was traded to the Wizards:
“He always cared about his teammates, despite what everybody said. He was somebody that loved to make everybody around him better.”
via @Justin_FOX5
pic.twitter.com/wDfTbuyNCZ
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) January 8, 2026
Atlanta Turns the Page Around a New Leader
Young witnessed Johnson’s transformation firsthand, from a developing role player to a nightly focal point. Johnson acknowledged that mentorship, noting that Young remained true to himself and consistently prioritized his teammates, regardless of public narratives.
With the trade complete, Atlanta’s direction feels clearer. The Hawks remain in contention for postseason positioning, but the roster balance now shifts toward Johnson as the primary engine. His all-around stat lines this season underline why the organization felt comfortable making such a bold move.
The transition does not come without pressure. Young’s influence, production, and history in Atlanta leave large shoes to fill. Still, Johnson appears prepared for that responsibility, both statistically and in mindset.
Young has publicly voiced belief in Johnson’s ceiling, describing his growth as only the beginning. Now, with Young heading to Washington, that belief carries real weight. Atlanta’s future rests with Johnson, and the early returns suggest the Hawks see him as ready for the moment.