> At a Glance
> – The Hawks have opened collaborative trade talks with Trae Young and his agents after a decade with the franchise
> – Washington has surfaced as a possible suitor, with CJ McCollum’s expiring deal floated as centerpiece
> – Why it matters: A four-time All-Star in decline could shift conference balance before the Feb. 5 deadline
Atlanta’s relationship with its franchise point guard appears headed for an abrupt ending, as both sides now work together to find a new home for the 2018 No. 5 pick.
Trade Talks Begin
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Young and the Hawks initiated collaborative discussions within the last week to engineer a move. Marc Stein adds that the Wizards have quickly emerged as a realistic destination, anchored by McCollum’s expiring contract.
On-Court Slump
The 27-year-old’s tenth season has been his roughest:
- 19.3 pts, 8.9 ast, 1.5 reb in 28.0 min
- 41.5 FG%, 30.5 3P%, 86.3 FT%
- Only 10 appearances as Atlanta sits 17-20
Compare that to last year’s 24.2 pts, 11.6 ast, 3.1 reb on 41.1/34.0/87.5 splits in 36.0 min and the drop-off is stark.
| Season | PPG | APG | MPG | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 24.2 | 11.6 | 36.0 | 34.0 |
| 2025-26 | 19.3 | 8.9 | 28.0 | 30.5 |
Hawks Moving Forward
Atlanta has coped surprisingly well in his absence, with Jalen Johnson pouring in 24 ppg and Nickeil Alexander-Walker posting a career-best 20.7 pts on 45/38/85 shooting. The front office now eyes a reset before the Feb. 5, 3 p.m. ET deadline.
Key Takeaways
- Young’s trade request marks the likely end of his six-plus-year Hawks tenure
- Elite playmaking remains, but dip in efficiency and defensive concerns cloud value
- Washington’s interest could accelerate a deal built around cap relief
A resolution in the next month could reshape both rosters-and the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
