Trae Young will leave Atlanta after eight seasons to join the Washington Wizards on a three-year contract when NBA free agency opens, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reports. The deal cements Young as the franchise’s new cornerstone point guard, pairing his elite playmaking and scoring with a Wizards roster already stocked with young talent like Bilal Coulibaly. Washington’s rebuild shifts from patience to urgency with Young in the fold.
The Wizards now project as a top-four seed in the East, a leap from last season’s 12th-place finish. amid recovery from a quadriceps issue, but the injury is not expected to affect his readiness for the 2024–25 season opener. The Hawks received multiple first-round picks from Washington as part of the sign-and-trade that cleared cap space for the Wizards to land Young.
Atlanta now owns four unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps through 2030, a haul that underscores their aggressive roster reset. The move reshapes the Eastern Conference power balance. gives Washington a new weapon capable of matching those teams shot-for-shot.
His ability to generate offense off the dribble and hit from deep makes him a nightmare matchup for any defense, forcing opponents to rethink their defensive schemes. Young’s addition forces the rest of the East to adapt. Teams like the Cavaliers and Magic, who have been stockpiling assets in hopes of climbing the standings, now face a more crowded playoff picture.
The Wizards’ front office has effectively turned a rebuild into a sprint, betting that Young’s All-Star ceiling can elevate the franchise to the conference finals within two seasons. Washington’s new core—Young, Coulibaly, and Kyle Kuzma—offers a blend of star power and developmental upside that few teams in the East can match. The Hawks’ draft capital haul is historic in scale.
By trading Young, Atlanta secured picks that could yield multiple lottery-level talents over the next half-decade, giving them a foundation to build around while Young’s former teammates remain in flux. For Washington, the cost was steep but calculated: surrendering draft equity to land a player who can carry them deep into the playoffs. “The this is a franchise-altering move,” Windhorst said on ESPN’s NBA coverage.
“Young brings All-Star-level production and a winning pedigree. ” What's next: Free agency officially opens on June 30. Young’s medicals and contract finalization are expected to conclude before then, with training camp kicking off in late September.
The Wizards will open the season as a projected top-four seed in the East, a stark contrast to their 31-51 record last season. The ripple effects of this deal extend beyond the standings. Teams now must account for Washington’s new offensive firepower when planning their own roster moves, while the Hawks’ draft capital haul gives them unprecedented flexibility to reload around a younger core.
The Eastern Conference’s hierarchy is no longer static—Young’s arrival has injected volatility into a league where every game now carries higher stakes. Read at ClearSports
Why this matters
Washington’s acquisition of Trae Young ends years of uncertainty and transforms the franchise into an Eastern Conference contender overnight. By trading for a two-time All-Star in his prime, the Wizards bet on immediate relevance, pairing Young with young wings like Coulibaly to form a core with both star power and upside. The move redefines the team’s ceiling and sends a clear message to the rest of the league. The ripple effects extend beyond the standings: teams now must account for Washington’s new offensive firepower when planning their own roster moves, while the Hawks’ draft capital haul gives them unprecedented flexibility to reload around a younger core. The Hawks’ haul—four unprotected first-round picks and two swaps—could yield multiple franchise-changing talents, ensuring Atlanta remains a factor in the East for years to come.
Frequently asked
How long is Trae Young’s contract with the Wizards?
Young is expected to sign a three-year deal with Washington, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. The length and financial terms are not yet public.
Did the Wizards trade for Trae Young?
Yes. Washington sent multiple first-round picks to Atlanta in exchange for Young, clearing cap space for the Hawks to rebuild while landing a franchise point guard.
Will Trae Young be ready for the start of the 2024–25 season?
The Wizards expect Young to be fully available for training camp and the season opener. He is recovering from a quadriceps issue but is not expected to miss significant time.
Who else is on the Wizards roster with Young?
Washington’s core includes young wings like Bilal Coulibaly and veterans such as Kyle Kuzma. The roster is built to complement Young’s scoring and playmaking.
When does NBA free agency begin?
Free agency officially opens on June 30. Young’s contract is expected to be finalized before then, with training camp slated for late September.
How does Young’s arrival impact the Eastern Conference playoff race?
Young’s addition immediately elevates Washington into the top tier of Eastern Conference contenders, forcing teams like Cleveland and Orlando to adjust their playoff aspirations. The Wizards’ improved roster depth makes them a threat to reach the conference finals within two seasons.
