Trae Young Viewed As Negative Asset After Hawks Wizards Swap

Merlin sees Atlanta shipping Trae Young to Washington for Corey Kispert and CJ McCollum’s expiring salary, a return that looks light because many around the league view Young as a "negative asset." Executives pointed to his large deal, a staggeringly poor individual defensive rating of 126.2, and the glut of starting point guards. The Wizards took him as a short-term value play while clearing floor and preserving summer flexibility. Merlin notes Young’s numbers are down — 19.3 points and 8.9 assists while starting just 10 games — and his $46.4 million salary this season makes roster construction tricky in the apron era. If Washington keeps losing, patience is affordable. If they chase wins, Young helps now but may become a headache later.