A prevailing trend for the 2025-26 NBA season highlights limited trade interest in smaller, less defensively skilled point guards who command maximum salaries. Rumors around Ja Morant have surfaced sporadically, but few teams have shown genuine interest, similar to LaMelo Ball. The Sacramento Kings are the only team repeatedly linked to these players, reflecting broader league sentiment that the Kings lag behind in roster-building strategies, often acquiring players unwanted by others.
Trae Young fits within this group of misfit point guards, notably struggling defensively. Early hopes for him to become a sharpshooter akin to Stephen Curry have faded, as he mostly relies on challenging pull-up three-pointers and rarely creates clean catch-and-shoot opportunities. He is essentially a pick-and-roll point guard, a style the NBA is moving away from. ESPN recently reported that the Atlanta Hawks are discussing a potential trade involving Young, which is not surprising given that Young is on a lucrative contract while the team’s performance with him on the court this season has been poor (2-8), compared to better results without him (15-12). The Hawks are shifting towards a roster that values size, defense, athleticism, and balanced offense, leaving Young’s future uncertain with only 18 months remaining on his contract.
One potential destination for Young is the Washington Wizards, according to reporter Marc Stein. The Wizards might be the only team that currently fits Young’s profile due to various factors. Many teams hesitate to acquire players like Young because their limitations become glaring in the playoffs, especially due to his size and off-ball defensive lapses. Young’s style doesn’t suit young teams aiming for player development nor contending teams who prefer ball-sharing veterans. Additionally, the new 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement restricts teams’ ability to absorb mega-contracts, making Young’s large salary a liability.
However, Young’s consistent regular-season offensive output makes him appealing to a struggling team like the Wizards. Washington has struggled offensively, ranking near the bottom of the league and focusing on rebuilding through draft picks who are still raw and in need of an experienced playmaker to structure the offense. Young’s presence could help transition the Wizards from a full rebuild to a moderately competitive team, giving them a chance to evaluate their young players alongside a proven point guard, without committing to him long-term. Washington’s cap situation, with plenty of space next season and few large contracts, makes this feasible.
For the Hawks, trading Young could open up significant financial flexibility. Removing Young from the roster creates over $40 million in cap space, which they could use to acquire big names like Anthony Davis, while retaining a young core of players on affordable contracts. This would allow the team to pursue more balanced roster construction, including alternatives to Young at a lower price point, such as Coby White, Collin Sexton, or Anfernee Simons. Hawks could also seek big men who can stretch the floor, leveraging their draft assets and cap space.
In summary, trading Trae Young to the Wizards presents a mutually beneficial opportunity: Washington gains a consistent offensive leader to aid their rebuild, while Atlanta gains flexibility to pursue roster upgrades aligned with league trends. The move also exemplifies how financial strategy and roster construction trends increasingly dictate team decisions in the NBA.
Fan Take: This potential Trae Young trade highlights how evolving team-building philosophies and salary cap dynamics are reshaping player value in the NBA. Fans should watch closely as such moves could redefine how star point guards fit into the league’s future, emphasizing versatility, defense, and financial maneuverability over sheer scoring talent.
