The Atlanta Hawks pulled the trigger on one of the most significant trades of the NBA season on Thursday, sending star point guard Trae Young to the Washington Wizards in exchange for veteran guard CJ McCollum and forward Corey Kispert.

The deal, completed on January 9, 2026, brings an end to Young's nearly eight-year tenure in Atlanta, where he established himself as one of the league's most electrifying playmakers and transformed the franchise's identity. Young departs as the Hawks' all-time leader in assists, surpassing Hall of Famer Doc Rivers, and three-pointers made, eclipsing the mark held by Mookie Blaylock. He also ranks fourth in franchise history in free throws and sixth in total points.

Young earned four All-Star selections during his time with the Hawks and led the team to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, a run that captivated basketball fans across the nation. His ability to pull up from well beyond the three-point line and his court vision made him appointment viewing, though questions about team fit and defensive limitations have followed him throughout his career.

The 27-year-old was unable to make his Wizards debut on Thursday night as Washington faced the New Orleans Pelicans. Young is currently dealing with a right quad contusion and right knee MCL sprain that will sideline him temporarily as he transitions to his new team.

For Washington, the acquisition represents a bold move to add star power to a roster that has struggled in recent seasons. Young holds a player option worth approximately $49 million for next season and is eligible for a three-year extension with the Wizards, giving the franchise an opportunity to build around his considerable talents.

The Hawks receive McCollum, a proven scorer who averaged 18.8 points across 35 games this season, and Kispert, a sharpshooter who has connected on 38 percent of his three-point attempts over his five-year career. Both players bring veteran experience and outside shooting to an Atlanta roster that appears to be entering a transitional phase.

Mouhamed Gueye, a young forward on the Hawks roster, reflected on what Young meant to the organization and the city. When I first got here, he was one of the first guys that texted me, Gueye said. An Atlanta legend.

The trade has sparked immediate speculation about Atlanta's future direction, with some reports suggesting the Hawks could be positioning themselves to pursue another star player. The franchise now holds additional assets and salary flexibility that could be deployed in future moves.

For Young, the change of scenery offers a fresh start and an opportunity to lead a team as its unquestioned centerpiece. His combination of scoring ability and playmaking remains elite, and at 27 years old, he is entering what should be the prime of his career.

The Wizards will look to integrate Young into their system quickly as they attempt to climb the Eastern Conference standings during the second half of the season. With his ability to create offense seemingly out of thin air, Washington fans have reason to be excited about what lies ahead.

This trade will be remembered as a defining moment for both franchises, one that could reshape the landscape of the Eastern Conference for years to come.