Wizards Push For Trae Young Trade, Hawks Waiting

Merlin sees the Wizards quietly pursuing Trae Young in a deal that could stretch to the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Sources say the Hawks have had "serious discussions" with Washington but are still gauging other suitors, and "So far, though, it has been difficult to confirm another team in active pursuit of Young." Young is on the final guaranteed year of his contract, has missed significant time with injuries, and his numbers are down, while Washington can offer expiring contracts and draft assets to make a match. Merlin notes the chess pieces: Atlanta may wait for Young to prove value on the court, while the Wizards could fast-track their rebuild by adding a proven point guard. It is a high-reward, high-risk path that will reveal itself as teams circle before the deadline.