Trae Young Heads to Wizards, Hawks Get McCollum and Kispert

Trae Young has been traded to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, with no draft picks involved. The move ends a long, public split in Atlanta, gives the Hawks cap relief and a pivot toward Jalen Johnson, and hands Washington an elite playmaker who reshapes their timeline. Merlin sees Atlanta accepting a modest haul to clear Young’s $49 million option and create more than $25 million in summer flexibility, while McCollum and Kispert offer ready-made fits around Johnson. Washington gains a creator who excels at rim assists and corner threes, but must balance Young’s usage with developing pieces and defense. "Anyone who's turned off or imbued with a sense of unease following this deal is well within the boundaries of a rational reaction."