Is a major trade on the horizon? Trae Young and the Wizards both sit out today as reports indicate negotiations have significantly intensified.

On January 8th Beijing time, shortly after reporter Shams revealed the Wizards as Trae Young’s preferred destination, reporter Sidery followed up confirming that Trae Young was officially listed as absent from today’s game by the Hawks. At the same time, the Wizards announced that CJ McCollum and Middleton would also miss today’s matchup. These signs suggest that trade talks between the two teams involving Trae Young are escalating notably.

Sidery further mentioned that a deal might be reached soon. The two veteran Wizards players hold large expiring contracts, which could facilitate the salary matching needed to make the trade between the Wizards and Hawks involving Trae Young more feasible.

Previously, Shams reported that Trae Young’s agency team continues ongoing discussions with the Hawks’ management, aiming to finalize a trade plan for Young’s departure. Sources also noted the Hawks are actively pursuing multiple trade avenues. Reporter Stein added that the Hawks are interested in Wizards’ Keypert and hope to include him in the trade package for Young.

The Hawks are preparing to part ways with Trae Young, who has a player option worth $49 million for the 2026-27 season, making his contract expiring after this season. Additionally, Young can choose to decline this option during the offseason, becoming a free agent and freeing nearly $40 million in salary cap space for the Hawks.

Since being drafted by the Hawks in 2018, Trae Young has been the franchise’s emblematic figure. He holds the team records for most three-pointers made and assists. Over eight seasons with the team, he led the Hawks to the playoffs three times, including a run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021.

However, with the rise of forward Jalen Johnson this season (averaging 23.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 8.4 assists over 34 games) and free agent acquisition Alexander Walker delivering his best career performance (20.5 points per game over 36 games), the Hawks appear ready to turn the page and start a new era led by fresh core players.

This season, Trae Young has been plagued by injuries, playing only 10 games due to leg issues. Early in the season, he suffered a right knee MCL sprain; although he returned, he continued to experience lingering pain. Currently, Young is sidelined with a right quadriceps contusion, marking his fifth consecutive missed game.

As a member of the 2021-22 All-NBA Team, Trae Young has career averages of 25.2 points and 9.8 assists per game. Last season, he led the league with an average of 11.6 assists per game, earning the title of assist leader.