The Washington Wizards have surfaced as a trade candidate for Trae Young should the Atlanta Hawks decide to trade the star guard, according to basketball insider Marc Stein.
As part of a potential deal, the Wizards would part with C.J. McCollum, whose $30.7-million expiring contract would offset much of the $46 million owed to Young this season, adds Stein.
Young's agents are working with Atlanta on finding a trade that suits all parties, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
It's unclear if a third team would be required to facilitate a move for Young. Washington's only other players earning over $10 million this season are 14-year veteran Khris Middleton and former No. 2 pick Alex Sarr, who appears to be the franchise's next star.
The Hawks have reportedly grown more open to discussing trades for Young, who the organization drafted fifth overall in 2019. Through eight seasons, the 27-year-old is averaging 25.2 points and 9.8 assists. However, the five-time All-Star has played just 10 games in 2025-26 due to knee and quad injuries, registering 19.3 points and 8.9 assists per game - both career lows since his rookie year. Atlanta is also 2-8 with Young in the lineup this campaign but 15-12 without him.
Young can become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he elects not to exercise a $49-million player option for next season. Although the Hawks could have extended Young before the campaign, the two sides failed to reach an agreement by the October deadline.
