The Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards are deep in trade talks about Trae Young, and things are starting to heat up as the 2026 NBA trade deadline gets closer.

Sources say the conversations have been pretty friendly so far. The Wizards are exploring what it would take to bring Young to Washington, with CJ McCollum and possibly Corey Kispert heading back to Atlanta in return.

It’s a deal that could shake up both franchises.

Washington Wants a Game-Changer

The Wizards aren’t just kicking tires here – they’re genuinely interested.

According to NBA insiders, Washington sees Young as exactly the kind of player who could transform their offense. They think his scoring ability and playmaking skills could be the foundation for building around their young core.

The Hawks? They’re willing to listen.

But they haven’t agreed to anything yet. Atlanta’s front office appears to want more than just McCollum coming back. They’re reportedly looking for additional players or draft picks to make the deal worth their while.

Why CJ McCollum Matters So Much

CJ McCollum keeps popping up in almost every version of this trade scenario, and there’s a pretty simple reason why.

He’s currently with the Wizards on an expiring contract, which means his salary would match up nicely with Young’s in a swap. That’s basically the math that makes this whole thing work.

But McCollum isn’t just a salary filler. He brings real value to the table – veteran scoring, solid playmaking, and tough defense. If the Hawks do move Young, McCollum could help them keep their offense balanced and maintain floor spacing.

There’s also the money angle. If McCollum’s contract comes off the books soon, Atlanta gains financial flexibility for future moves. That’s not nothing when you’re trying to rebuild or retool.

The Wizards might need to add more pieces to seal the deal, though.

Shooters like Kispert could sweeten the offer and help balance out the roster math. From what league sources are saying, the Hawks want young players who can develop with their core – not just expiring contracts that disappear in a few months.

Where Does Trae Stand?

Here’s what’s interesting: Trae Young hasn’t publicly asked for a trade.

But insiders say he’s “open-minded to a new uniform” and paying close attention to where the Hawks are headed. His contract situation makes things complicated too. He’s got a $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season hanging out there, which definitely affects his trade value and how both sides approach this.

This season hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing for the four-time All-Star.

He’s dealt with injuries and missed some games. His shooting efficiency and assist numbers have dipped compared to earlier seasons. But let’s be real – his career track record and elite playmaking still make him really attractive to teams that need a lead guard.

Teams remember what he’s capable of when he’s healthy and locked in.

What’s Next?

Right now, the Wizards are clearly the most serious team in the running for Young.

Washington’s interest makes sense when you consider that executive Travis Schlenk – who actually helped draft Young back in the day – is now with the organization. That connection gives these rumors some real weight.

Atlanta’s going to push hard for solid value in return. They’re not going to just give away a four-time All-Star without getting pieces that fit their future plans.

And Young? He’s probably weighing what direction makes the most sense for his career at this point.

With the deadline coming up fast, both teams could speed things up and get a deal done in the next few weeks. This is one to watch closely – the pieces seem to be moving into place.