How Will This Profit the Hawks, Wizards?

Trae Young has formally been traded to the Washington Wizards in change for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert after spending nearly eight years in Atlanta.

The commerce rumors have lastly evaporated, however hypothesis about each camps’ motives stays intriguing.

Why Atlanta Pulled the Trigger

Trae Young missed 23 video games when he bought an MCL sprain. With no true leaders within the group, some gamers must step up. The group discovered that it may win video games with out the Hawks’ star. And as Redditors speculated, rebuilding round Jalen Johnson is feasible.

The Hawks’ determination to maneuver Young displays a calculated long-term plan. Atlanta declined to supply the four-time All-Star a contract extension final offseason, preferring to guage his match with a retooled roster. This season, accidents restricted Young’s availability, and the Hawks struggled in his appearances, posting a 2–8 report when he performed.

Interestingly, Atlanta’s defensive effectivity improved with out him. With Young sidelined by a knee damage, the Hawks went 13–9, led by Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who shaped a surprisingly efficient defensive backcourt duo.

By buying McCollum, a dependable 40% three-point shooter, and Kispert, a sharpshooter with a profession 38.3% from past the arc, Atlanta goals to reinforce flooring spacing and backcourt sturdiness. The Hawks additionally acquire expiring contracts for Kristaps Porziņģis and McCollum, plus helpful draft property, positioning them for potential frontcourt upgrades earlier than the Feb. 5 commerce deadline.

Washington Gains a Star

For the Wizards, bringing in Trae Young addresses each rapid and long-term wants, in line with Sports Illustrated. Washington is on tempo for its eighth consecutive dropping season, missing a marquee star to energise followers at Capital One Arena. The 27-year-old presents elite scoring and playmaking, immediately boosting the franchise’s profile.

Young additionally has sturdy connections with Washington’s entrance workplace, together with Travis Schlenk, who initially acquired him in 2018, and GM Will Dawkins, who scouted him at Oklahoma. His arrival may remodel the Wizards’ offense whereas giving the group flexibility with projected $80 million in cap area subsequent summer season.

However, challenges stay. Young has battled accidents this season, lacking video games as a result of knee and quad points, and the Wizards should rigorously handle his minutes whereas defending their top-eight draft decide.

For Atlanta, the deal brings a extra balanced, defensively succesful backcourt and improved flexibility for future trades. For Washington, it offers a star to reinvigorate the franchise.

For Trae Young, it is a contemporary begin and the chance to guide a younger, high-upside Wizards squad. Washington may tank this 12 months to rebuild across the deadly shooter.

The subsequent transfer for the Hawks is to totally take into consideration shifting Zaccharie Risacher.