Wizards atop Trae Young wish list, gain traction in trade talks with Hawks

The Wizards are sitting at the top of Trae Young’s wish list.

That’s the word from ESPN’s Shams Charania, who said on NBA Today that the Wizards have gained traction in trade discussions with the Hawks.

The framework has been out there for a few days now. NBA insider Marc Stein first reported that Washington and Atlanta have talked about a deal that would send Young to D.C. and veteran guard CJ McCollum to the Hawks. The conversations are real, but they’re not finished.

Atlanta is said to be willing to stay patient as it surveys the market. Washington, meanwhile, is reportedly seeking draft compensation and has been reluctant to include the kind of young talent Atlanta would want alongside McCollum. In other words, there’s still work to do.

Still, the Wizards stand out. While other teams are monitoring the situation, Washington is the only confirmed suitor with real legs so far. Young being open to the destination only helps.

The Wizards aren’t contending for a title, but they’ve played better lately, winning five of their last seven. More importantly, they have clean books. No major multiyear contracts.

Plenty of room to absorb Young’s $49 million player option for 2026-27 — or replace it with a long-term extension, which is likely the preferred outcome.

There’s also a familiar connection. Wizards executive Travis Schlenk drafted Young in Atlanta.

Young remains sidelined with a right quad contusion and will miss his sixth straight game Wednesday against the Pelicans. The conversations, though, keep moving.