> At a Glance
> – Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks have formally begun collaborative trade discussions
> – The 27-year-old All-Star has played only 10 games this season amid declining averages
> – Washington Wizards have emerged as a potential suitor, with CJ McCollum’s expiring salary as a proposed centerpiece
> – Why it matters: A four-time All-Star point guard could shift playoff races and reset the Hawks’ roster before the Feb. 5 deadline
Less than a month before the 2026 trade deadline, the Hawks and Trae Young are working together to find the star guard a new home after a frustrating start to the season.
Trade Momentum Builds
Shams Charania of ESPN first reported Monday that Young’s representatives and Atlanta management have spent the past week in joint trade talks. Marc Stein added that Washington has surfaced as an early candidate, with a framework built around CJ McCollum’s expiring contract.
Young, drafted fifth overall in 2018, has plateaued since the franchise’s 2021 Eastern Conference Finals run. The Hawks sit at 17-20 and have fared better when he’s off the floor.
On-Court Decline
Limited to 10 appearances, Young’s numbers have slipped across the board:
- Scoring: 19.3 pts (down from 24.2 last season)
- Playmaking: 8.9 ast (down from 11.6)
- Efficiency: 41.5 FG%, 30.5 3P% in 28.0 min
By contrast, he logged 36.0 min per night a year ago on 41.1/34.0/87.5 splits.
New Faces Rising
Atlanta’s offense has pivoted to emerging talent:
- Jalen Johnson leads the club at 24.0 pts with a breakout campaign
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker, also 27, posts career highs of 20.7 pts on 45/38/85 shooting
The strong production from the supporting cast gives the Hawks flexibility to move their marquee name without a full rebuild.
Market Outlook
Young’s elite playmaking remains a selling point, but suitors will weigh:
- Career-low outside accuracy
- Defensive concerns that have dogged him in past postseasons
- A contract that still carries significant money and years
With the deadline set for Thursday, Feb. 5 at 3 p.m. ET, talks figure to intensify as Atlanta seeks a reset and Young eyes a fresh start elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
- Collaborative negotiations between Young’s camp and the Hawks are underway
- Washington’s interest highlights McCollum’s expiring deal as a potential trade anchor
- Young’s dip in volume and efficiency has coincided with standout growth from Johnson and Alexander-Walker
- A deal within the next three weeks could reshape the Eastern Conference playoff picture
