CJ McCollum expressed gratitude for his time with the Washington Wizards after being traded to the Atlanta Hawks in the Trae Young deal, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported.
“Loved my time in DC. Organization was great to my family and I. Michael Winger and Will [Dawkins] did everything they said they would and kept their word from the very beginning,” McCollum said.
McCollum also shared excitement about joining the Hawks. “Exited to get to The A and get to work. Very familiar with their style of play. Love the ownership group and front office. Good group of players,” he added.
The trade, completed on January 7, sent McCollum and Corey Kispert to Atlanta in exchange for Trae Young. No future draft picks were involved, making it a rare straight player-for-player swap for a franchise guard.
From Atlanta’s perspective, the deal offers roster and financial flexibility. McCollum’s $30.7 million contract expires at the end of the season, clearing cap space, while Kispert provides a controllable wing option. Moving Young’s future salary positions the Hawks to pursue high-salary targets like Anthony Davis if opportunities arise.
For Washington, acquiring Young signals a rebuild around a proven playmaker. The Wizards now hold $46 million in cap space and a roster of young talent, with Young expected to be central to the team’s long-term plans.
McCollum’s addition gives Atlanta an experienced scorer and floor spacer capable of complementing their young core. The Hawks currently sit ninth in the Eastern Conference at 18–21 and hope McCollum can help accelerate a return to playoff contention.
As the trade reshapes both franchises, Washington bets on Young’s leadership, and Atlanta gains flexibility and a veteran presence in McCollum to guide younger players.
The Wizards face a 10–26 record in the 2025–26 season, while Atlanta looks to use the trade as a foundation for both competitive and financial maneuvering.
