Trade news breaks as Trae Young sits on Hawks bench – Basketball Insider
Trade talks disrupted mid-game
Trade rumors took an unusual turn Wednesday night when Trae Young sat on the Atlanta Hawks bench in street clothes while news of his trade surfaced. The report, first mentioned during the Hawks’ game against the New Orleans Pelicans, revealed that the Washington Wizards and Hawks agreed to a blockbuster trade that would send Young to Washington in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert.
The timing is amazing. Young watched part of the game from the bench, and fans and teammates alike thought his long run in Atlanta was coming to an end. The Wizards reportedly ruled McCollum and Kispert out of the game that night, with the trade expected to be approved.
what trade involves
Under the pending deal, Yang headed to the nation’s capital as a headliner. His move gives the Wizards a true go-to guard and shot creator they lacked. Atlanta added veteran scorer in McCollum and shooting in Kispert while clearing roster space to regroup around a core of young talent.
Young, 27, left the Hawks after eight seasons as the face of the organization and a franchise cornerstone. He is one of the players with the most assists and three-pointers in franchise history. Even so, injuries have limited him this season and the two sides have openly discussed parting ways.
Trae Young is currently on the bench for the Hawks.
Some players came up to him and shook his hand. pic.twitter.com/5aar9dudYj
— Miles Garrett (@MilesGarrettTV) January 8, 2026
Young’s most recent season
This year, Young’s playing opportunities are limited. He missed significant time with a right MCL sprain and quadriceps contusion, playing in just 10 games. He returned briefly before the trade craze intensified. Young entered the season averaging 19.3 points and 8.9 assists per game, both below his career averages.
Reduced availability and efficiency help drive trade discussions. The Hawks have been hovering in the middle of the Eastern Conference and have expressed interest in reshaping their roster as the deadline approaches.
How have fans and the league reacted?
After the news broke, a video of Yang in casual clothes went viral on social media. Fans were left in shock, humor and disbelief that the deal was reported while the game was ongoing. Young did not play that night, but he remained on the bench, cheering on his teammates and staying involved.
