Hawks, Wizards have discussed trade centered on Trae Young, CJ McCollum

The Hawks and Wizards have held recent trade discussions centered on guards Trae Young and CJ McCollum, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

Stein notes that Washington has been actively exploring deals involving McCollum, while Atlanta previously expressed interest in the veteran guard dating back to February 2022.

League sources told Stein that Young is increasingly likely to be moved ahead of the February 5 trade deadline, with the expectation that the 27-year-old will pick up his $49 million player option for 2026–27.

Meanwhile, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that the Hawks are working with Young and his representatives to identify potential landing spots.

Washington’s interest appears legitimate. Stein reported that a framework involving McCollum’s expiring contract would be central to any deal. Young is owed $46 million this season and has no no-trade clause, giving Atlanta flexibility if it chooses to reset its books.

Cap expert Yossi Gozlan characterized a Young-for-McCollum concept as closer to a salary-clearing move for Atlanta, noting Washington would need to include additional money to satisfy matching rules.

Young has been limited to 10 games this season due to knee and quad injuries, averaging 19.3 points and 8.9 assists. McCollum, 34, has been steady in Washington, posting 18.6 points per game while shooting nearly 40 percent from three.

Nothing is imminent. But with Atlanta balancing finances, flexibility and future options, Young’s name remains firmly in play as the deadline approaches.