Trade negotiations are interrupted in the middle of the game
The trade rumors took an unusual turn Wednesday night when Trae Young was left sitting on the Atlanta Hawks bench in street clothes as news of his trade surfaced. The report, which was first published during the Hawks’ game against the New Orleans Pelicans, revealed that the Washington Wizards and Hawks agreed to a blockbuster trade, sending Young to Washington in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert.
The timing was striking. Young watched part of the game from the bench as fans and teammates realized his long tenure in Atlanta was coming to an end. According to reports, the Wizards held McCollum and Kispert out of their games that night pending deal approval.
What the trade entails
Under the pending deal, Young will head to the nation’s capital as a headliner. His move gives the Wizards a true lead guard and shot maker that they haven’t had before. Atlanta adds veteran scoring in McCollum and shooting in Kispert, while freeing up space to restructure its core of young talent.
Young, 27, leaves the Hawks after eight seasons as their face and cornerstone of the franchise. He is one of the team’s all-time leaders in assists and three-pointers. Still, injuries have limited him this season, and both sides have openly discussed parting ways.
Trae Young is currently on the Hawks bench.
Some players have walked up to him and shook hands. https://t.co/IEVRGiMhu9 pic.twitter.com/5aar9dudYj
— Miles Garrett (@MilesGarrettTV) January 8, 2026
Young’s recent season
This year, Young’s availability is limited. He missed significant time with a right MCL sprain and a quad contusion, appearing in just 10 games. He returned shortly before the trading rush intensified. Young entered the season averaging 19.3 points and 8.9 assists, both lower than his career norms.
These dips in availability and efficiency have fueled trade negotiations. The Hawks were hovering midway through the Eastern Conference and showed interest in reshaping their roster as the deadline approaches.
How fans and league reacted
Clips of Young sitting in street clothes went viral on social media when the news broke. Fans reacted with shock, humor and disbelief that the transaction was reported while a game was in progress. Young didn’t play that night, but he remained a presence on the bench, cheering on his teammates and staying involved.
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