Wizards Eye Trae Young for Potential Acquisition

The Washington Wizards are reportedly considering a trade for Trae Young, the star guard of the Atlanta Hawks. According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the Wizards have a “legitimate” interest in acquiring Young. Key aspects of this potential deal could involve the Wizards sending out CJ McCollum’s expiring contract.

Wizards Eyeing Trae Young Trade

Young, a four-time All-Star, is currently earning $46 million this season. He also holds a $49 million player option for the 2026/27 season. Despite demonstrating strong performance in his career, Young has faced challenges this season, playing only 10 games due to a right knee injury and a right quad contusion.

Trae Young’s Performance and Contract

• Current season averages: 19.3 points, 8.9 assists, 1.0 steal
• Career averages: 25.2 points, 9.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds
• Shooting percentages: .415 field goal, .305 three-point, .863 free throw
• Games played: 493 in his career with 34.0 minutes per game

Recent reports suggest that Young’s presence on the Hawks could complicate efforts to acquire other star players, such as Anthony Davis. This trade could serve as a precursor to a move that allows the Hawks to secure Davis while managing their roster’s financial implications.

Trade Dynamics

The proposed CJ McCollum for Trae Young swap would primarily serve as a salary-dump situation for Atlanta. McCollum is currently under contract for $30.7 million this season and has shown solid performance, averaging 18.6 points and 3.5 rebounds in his first season with the Wizards.

For any trade to be feasible, the Wizards would need to balance salaries. They must send additional salary equal to $6.2 million to meet league regulations. As discussions continue, the landscape of both teams could be significantly altered, depending on the outcome of this potential deal.