NBA news: Trae Young trade to Washington Wizards sparks NBA deadline speculation
With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, Trae Young’s move to Washington has the potential to set off a chain reaction across the league.
Last season, the NBA was rocked by one of the most eye-catching regular-season trades in recent memory, with the Los Angeles Lakers acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis.
With just under a month remaining until the trade deadline, the league has now seen its first major move of the season, as Trae Young heads to the Washington Wizards in a deal involving CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert.
Will teams look to make their own moves after Young’s mega move? Sports News Blitz writer Lorenzo Gagliotta finds out more.
Breaking down the Trae Young trade
Trade rumours had been building for months after the four-time All-Star’s camp opted to seek a move away from Atlanta.
Young had been the focal point of the Hawks franchise, leading the team to three playoff appearances and an Eastern Conference Finals run in 2021.
His most recent season has been disrupted by injury, with Young sidelined for large spells. Atlanta declined the opportunity to extend his contract prior to finalising the trade.
From the Hawks’ perspective, the move creates significant financial flexibility, shedding Young’s sizeable contract.
Despite that benefit, many supporters feel the return did little to improve key areas on the floor.
While McCollum’s production this season and Kispert’s value off the bench are acknowledged, Hawks fans believe a draft asset should have been included in a deal involving a franchise player.
In Washington, there is cautious optimism. The Wizards have acquired a potential centre piece to complement a young core that includes Alexandre Sarr, Bub Carrington and Bilal Coulibaly.
The trade appears to be one with long-term ambitions rather than immediate impact, particularly with Young still recovering from injury.
The hope is that he can return soon and grow as part of an emerging project in the nation’s capital.
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What moves could follow?
With the NBA trade deadline approaching, teams around the league may now be reassessing their plans.
Following Young’s departure, Atlanta reportedly explored the possibility of adding championship pedigree by targeting 10-time All-Star and NBA champion Anthony Davis from Dallas.
That scenario now appears unlikely, with Davis sidelined indefinitely due to ligament damage in his left hand, increasing the risk attached to any potential deal.
Elsewhere, the Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly open to discussing the future of star guard Ja Morant.
Much will depend on the offers presented, with possible destinations including the Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat.
The 2020 Rookie of the Year remains under contract for a further two seasons, meaning Memphis could yet decide to retain him as a cornerstone during a period of uncertainty.
The Chicago Bulls are another team to monitor as the deadline nears.
Combo guard Coby White has been a regular feature in trade speculation throughout the season, with Chicago potentially looking to capitalise on expiring contracts.
Interest is believed to be growing from teams in both conferences, with White’s versatility and untapped potential making him an attractive option.
Whether the Bulls act remains to be seen.
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What Young adds to the Wizards
Washington has been home to several standout figures, from John Wall to Paul Pierce, and Trae Young now arrives with the chance to build a fresh legacy within a youthful roster.
The NBA’s assists leader in 2025, Young is expected to operate as a primary floor general, bringing elite playmaking and perimeter shooting across all areas of the court.
Those attributes should come into sharper focus once he returns from a quad contusion and right knee MCL sprain.
For both player and franchise, the move represents an opportunity to reset and gradually push back towards championship contention.
Looking further ahead, Young and his representatives will need to decide whether to commit long-term by extending his contract in the off-season, though the future remains uncertain.
What is clear is that this trade has injected renewed intrigue into the league and could yet trigger further movement before the deadline.
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