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Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young’s “top preferred trade destination” is the Washington Wizards, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Per Charania, Young’s agents “continue to have conversations with the Hawks about a resolution toward a trade out” of Atlanta while the team’s front office remains in “active trade talks on multiple fronts” regarding the four-time All-Star.
NBA insider Marc Stein added that the Hawks have interest in Corey Kispert. If a deal sending Young to Washington materializes, the Hawks hope to have Kispert included in the deal, Stein added.
CJ McCollum would also likely be a piece going to the Hawks if a deal materializes, per Stein.
Both Kispert and McCollum were ruled out for Wednesday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers due to injuries, per Stein, resulting in further speculation that the two could be on the move.
The Wizards currently sit at No. 14 in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 10-25.
They boast intriguing young players such as Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George and Tre Johnson, but Young would give them a top option to build the offense around.
As part of a potential trade with the Wizards, the Hawks can take back 125 percent of Young’s $46 million salary to go along with an additional $250,000 (h/t ESPN’s Bobby Marks).
NBA insider Jake Fischer previously reported that Young’s representatives cited the Brooklyn Nets and Minnesota Timberwolves as “two attractive potential destinations,” but neither team was interested in seriously pursuing him.
The Dallas Mavericks also didn’t “have an appetite” to acquire Young in a trade that would involve Anthony Davis, according to Christian Clark and Sam Amick of the Athletic.
While Young earned All-Star nods in each of the past two seasons, he’s appeared in just 10 games this year due to an MCL sprain as well as a quad contusion.
The 27-year-old has struggled with his efficiency when healthy, averaging 19.3 points and 8.9 assists per game on 41.5/30.5/86.3 shooting splits. Atlanta owns a higher net rating with Young off the floor this season compared to having him on (via NBA.com).
With Hawks forward Jalen Johnson having a breakout year combined with Young’s uncertain future, the guard’s days with the organization appear to be numbered.