Trae Young Traded to Wizards for McCollum and Kispert
Trae Young Traded to Wizards for McCollum and Kispert
January 8, 2026
Sylvain Sultat
Trae Young to the Wizards: Extension Rumors
The Washington Wizards are considering a contract extension for Trae Young. The 27-year-old point guard, freshly arrived from Atlanta, could secure a new two-year deal.
Jan 9, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Newly acquired Washington Wizards guard Trae Young (R) speaks at an introductory press conference as Wizards general manager Will Dawkins (L) listens prior to the Wizards’ game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Trae Young just joined the Washington Wizards after his trade from the Atlanta Hawks this week, but his future in the capital remains uncertain. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Washington « openly covets size and wingspan, » which means Young isn’t exactly an ideal long-term fit.
A Two-Year Extension Despite an Atypical Profile
Despite this physical mismatch, « rumors » are circulating about a possible two-year extension for the 27-year-old point guard. Young has a player option worth $48.97 million for the 2026-2027 season, which « helps Washington easily reach the league salary floor next season while giving the Wizards the playmaking they desperately lack, » according to Stein.
When traded from the Hawks, Trae Young immediately becomes eligible to sign a three-year, $157 million extension with his new team.
The question will be if the Wizards, or another potentially interested team, wants to lock in Young at $52.3 million annually through his prime. pic.twitter.com/becZs71O2I
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 6, 2026
Atlanta’s « well-known reluctance » to offer Young an extension last summer « was the first domino that led » to this week’s trade between the Hawks and Wizards. Atlanta received CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert in exchange for Young, who was once the face of the Hawks franchise.
A Fresh Start to Revive Two Careers
This type of return for Young would have shocked the NBA world a few years ago, but it’s become clear recently that a separation might be the best solution. The Hawks’ run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021 with Young as their leader may have been their ceiling, as the team hasn’t won a playoff series since.
Young has only played 10 games this season, averaging 19.3 points and 8.9 assists per game. He’s now looking to return to the court quickly to make an impact on a struggling Wizards team (10 wins – 27 losses).
2025-2026 Stats / NBA
PTS
19.3
#49
REB
1.6
#391
AST
9
#4
« That could be another reason why I’m here. We’re relaunching each other, » Young told Marc J. Spears of Andscape this week. « The city can relaunch me as much as I can relaunch it. That’s a reason why I want to come here. I want to be a person and a player who makes an impact wherever I go. So I’m going to try to relaunch the city, I need the city and this team to give me as much as we’re going to give them. »
Negotiations Expected But Not a Priority
« I’m obviously focused on the present moment, especially right now. For now, I’m here. I obviously have an option this summer. I just want to enjoy the city, » Young told Andscape. « For now, who knows how it will turn out? It’s a good opportunity. You never know if I’ll be here or not. But for me, I like the people here, obviously. »
Despite the mutual interest, negotiations are not the immediate priority according to ESPN. The Wizards first want to evaluate Young’s integration into their young rebuilding roster, while the player wants to discover his new city.
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