The NBA experienced a major move in the first week of 2026: the Atlanta Hawks traded star Trae Young to the Washington Wizards in exchange for veterans CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, ESPN sources and league reports have confirmed.
The 27-year-old point guard, a four-time All-Star and one of the league’s best outside scorers, leaves Atlanta after more than seven seasons as the face of the team. Young averaged 25.2 points and 9.8 assists per game for his Hawks career, leading the franchise in three-pointers and assists.
What does this change mean for Trae Young?
Trae Young, sometimes nicknamed “Ice Trae” for his decisive outside shooting, will get another chance in Washington with the Wizards.
A team that seeks to reconfigure its competitive future after a difficult season.
Young’s arrival is eagerly awaited in the U.S. capital, where the Wizards will try to build their offense around a scoring and frontcourt leadership figure.
With this move, Trae Young not only changes teams, but restarts with a franchise with ample growth expectations.
What do the Hawks get?
View this post on Instagram
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks welcome CJ McCollum, a veteran point guard with solid averages and experience on high-profile teams.
As well as Corey Kispert, a small forward with excellent three-point shooting ability.
McCollum, with a contract expiring at the end of the 2025-26 season, offers Atlanta salary flexibility for future moves.
While Kispert has several more years on his contract, providing stability and scoring from the three-point line.
The change also marks a new phase for the Hawks, who in recent years bet on Trae Young as their franchise piece, even taking them to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021.
Statistics reflecting the current context
He will get a new opportunity in Washington with the Wizards
QuéOnnda.com
This season, injuries have limited Trae Young’s participation to just 10 games.
He has averaged 19.3 points and 8.9 assists, figures below his historical averages due to recurring physical problems.
Meanwhile, McCollum has maintained a consistent performance with around 18.8 points per game.
Kispert has stood out for his outside shooting, with percentages above 39% in three-pointers this season.
For U.S. Hispanic fans, the move represents one of the NBA’s most talked-about moves so far in 2026.
Trae Young is not only a prominent figure in the league, but also one of the most visible voices in basketball today.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
