Latest on Trae Young

The Hawks and Trae Young are talking trade, but nothing appears close to the finish line.

While the Wizards have emerged as a perceived frontrunner, there is no imminent deal between Washington and Atlanta, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.

Atlanta’s discussions involving Young have been described as limited so far, with the team continuing to survey the broader market.

Wizards Interest, With Conditions

As ESPN reported, the Hawks and Young are working together to find a trade partner.

Ideally, that partner would be willing to extend Young after acquiring him, though it’s unclear whether Washington would be comfortable with that commitment.

Josh Robbins of The Athletic suggests Wizards officials may view any Young acquisition as a one-year trial. In that scenario, Young would likely exercise his $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season.

An in-season extension would require him to decline that option, which remains unlikely.

What a Deal Might Require

From Washington’s side, Siegel reports the Wizards would want draft compensation in addition to sending out CJ McCollum and his expiring $30.6 million contract. Atlanta, meanwhile, would be seeking young talent as part of any return.

The Hawks have inquired about players such as Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George and Tre Johnson, though the Wizards have signaled reluctance to part with their top prospects in a Young deal.

Cap expert Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron floated a possible compromise, suggesting Washington could include a rotation piece like Corey Kispert alongside McCollum, with Atlanta potentially offering a future pick swap.

Market Still Thin

ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Kevin Pelton and Zach Kram recently examined why Young’s market remains limited.

Bobby Marks favored one hypothetical framework that would send McCollum, Malaki Branham, AJ Johnson and a 2026 first-round pick (via Oklahoma City) to Atlanta, though Marks questioned whether Washington would be willing to absorb Young’s potential $49 million salary without additional incentives.

Other teams appear to be out. Siegel reports that the Nets and Rockets are not pursuing Young, while Sam Amick of The Athletic said the same of the Kings. Jon Krawczynski added that the Timberwolves are an unlikely fit due to cap constraints.