CJ McCollum expressed his 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.
“I enjoyed my time in DC. The organization was great for my family and I. Michael Winger and Will [Dawkins] did everything they said and kept their word from the start,” said McCollum.
McCollum also shared his excitement about joining the Hawks. “I left to go to The A and get started. Very familiar with their style of play. I like the ownership group and the 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. There were no future draft picks involved, making it a rare player-for-player trade for a franchise guard.
From Atlanta’s perspective, the deal provides roster and financial flexibility. McCollum’s $30.7 million contract expires at the end of the season, freeing up space while Kispert provides a controllable wing option. Moving Young’s future salary positions the Hawks to pursue high salary targets, such as Anthony Davis, if opportunities arise.
For Washington, acquiring Young means rebuilding around a proven playmaker. The Wizards now have $46 million in cap space and a roster of young talent, with Young expected to be central to the team’s long-term plans.
The addition of McCollum gives Atlanta an experienced scorer and floor spacer who can complement their young core. The Hawks currently sit ninth in the Eastern Conference at 18-21 and hope McCollum can help accelerate a return to the playoffs.
While the trade reshapes both franchises, Washington is banking on Young’s leadership, giving Atlanta flexibility and a veteran presence in McCollum to mentor younger players.
The Wizards face a 10-26 record going into the 2025-26 season, while Atlanta looks to use the trade as a basis for both competitive and financial maneuvering.
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