The Trae Young Trade to the Washington Wizards just became one of the most shocking moves of the 2025-26 NBA season — and it’s still buzzing as we sit on January 12, 2026!If you’re searching for the latest on the Trae Young trade, the Hawks-Wizards blockbuster deal, or what this means for both franchises ahead of the February 5, 2026 NBA trade deadline, you’ve come to the right place. This blockbuster ended Trae Young’s iconic run in Atlanta and gave the rebuilding Wizards a true star. Let’s break it all down: details, reactions, grades, and what’s next.
The trade was finalized on January 9, 2026, after reports surfaced earlier in the week and news broke dramatically mid-game on January 7 during Atlanta’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans.Washington Wizards receive: Four-time All-Star guard Trae Young (27 years old, elite scorer, playmaker, and former All-NBA Third Team selection).
Atlanta Hawks receive: Veteran guard CJ McCollum and wing Corey Kispert.
No draft picks were exchanged — a notably light return for a former franchise cornerstone.
Young, drafted 5th overall in 2018, spent nearly eight seasons as the face of the Hawks. He led Atlanta to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals, set franchise records in points and assists, and earned four All-Star appearances. However, ongoing contract talks (including a $49 million player option for 2026-27), defensive concerns, and injuries (he’s only played about 10 games this season) led to the split.Here are some unforgettable moments from Trae Young’s time in Atlanta — clutch celebrations, deep threes, and iconic energy that made him a Hawks legend:
