The NBA world has been shaken by a major move early in 2026. TRAE YOUNG HAS BEEN TRADED TO THE WIZARDS, marking the first blockbuster trade of the year and a deal that could reshape the Eastern Conference.
After spending eight seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, star point guard Trae Young is now heading to the Washington Wizards. In exchange, Atlanta receives veteran guard CJ McCollum and young wing Corey Kispert.
This trade signals a clear shift in direction for both franchises.
Trae Young Trade Details
| Team | Players Received |
|---|---|
| Washington Wizards | Trae Young |
| Atlanta Hawks | CJ McCollum, Corey Kispert |
The Wizards acquire a franchise playmaker, while the Hawks begin a new phase focused on balance and roster reset.
Who Is Trae Young?
Trae Young has been one of the NBA’s most dynamic guards since entering the league. Known for deep shooting range, elite passing, and clutch scoring, he has carried Atlanta’s offense for years.
Trae Young Player Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rayford Trae Young |
| Date of Birth | September 19, 1998 |
| Age (2026) | 27 |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Position | Point Guard |
| Shooting Hand | Right |
| NBA Draft | 2018, Pick No. 5 (traded to Hawks) |
Trae Young Career Stats
Over eight NBA seasons, Young has built a strong statistical resume and established himself as one of the league’s top playmakers.
| Stat | Average |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 493 |
| Points Per Game | 25.2 |
| Assists Per Game | 9.8 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 3.5 |
| Field Goal % | 43.2% |
| Three-Point % | 35.1% |
| Free Throw % | 87.3% |
Young is also among a rare group of players to average nearly 30 points and 9 assists in a single season, highlighting his offensive impact.
Also see: Top 10 Most 3-Pointers in an NBA Game
Season-by-Season Highlights
| Season | PPG | APG | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–19 | 19.1 | 8.1 | All-Rookie Team |
| 2019–20 | 29.6 | 9.3 | Breakout star season |
| 2021–22 | 28.4 | 9.7 | All-NBA Third Team |
| 2023–24 | 25.7 | 10.8 | Elite playmaking |
| 2024–25 | 24.2 | 11.6 | Strong clutch impact |
| 2025–26 | 19.3 | 8.9 | Limited games due to injury |
Why the Wizards Made This Move
The Wizards have been searching for a true offensive leader. By trading for Trae Young, they secure:
- A proven primary scorer
- One of the league’s best passers
- A player capable of leading a young roster
Young’s ability to control tempo and create shots instantly raises Washington’s ceiling in the Eastern Conference.
Also see: Most Free Throws Made in a Row – World Records
Why the Hawks Moved On from Trae Young
For Atlanta, this trade is about change and flexibility.
- CJ McCollum adds experience and shooting
- Corey Kispert brings youth and perimeter depth
- The Hawks gain better roster balance and cap planning options
Atlanta now enters a clear transition phase after years built around Young.
Also see: Highest Triple-Double Achievements in NBA History
Contract Situation After the Trade
Trae Young’s contract remains unchanged after the move.
| Season | Salary |
|---|---|
| 2025–26 | $46 million |
| 2026–27 | $49 million |
The Wizards are fully committed to building around him as a long-term centerpiece.
What This Trade Means for the NBA
The headline “TRAE YOUNG HAS BEEN TRADED TO THE WIZARDS” is more than just a transaction. It represents:
- A new era for Washington basketball
- A reset for the Atlanta Hawks
- A shift in power dynamics in the East
If healthy, Young could push the Wizards into playoff contention much sooner than expected.
Trae Young’s journey from Atlanta to Washington is one of the biggest NBA stories of 2026 so far. His move brings excitement, expectations, and pressure in equal measure. Whether this trade leads to deep playoff runs or sparks further roster changes, one thing is certain the NBA landscape just changed.
