Anthony Davis trade talks should ignite after Hawks-Wizards Trae Young swap

As the Hawks played the Pelicans on Wednesday, Trae Young, wearing street clothes, started dapping up his teammates and assistant coaches. 

He had just found out he had been traded to the Wizards in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, meaning the world got to see his reaction in real time. It’s a strange phenomenon that sometimes occurs during trade season, when news lands while a camera is affixed on its subject’s face, or, as I like to call it, a solar eclipse for NBA fans. 

Luckily for Young and the local TV broadcast, the point guard was very much on board with this move, which marked the first domino of the 2026 trade season. (As a fun thought exercise, imagine if cameras had caught Luka Doncic’s and Anthony Davis’ reactions last Feb. when the most shocking trade in sports history landed. Here’s to guessing that moment wouldn’t have been TV-friendly. But more on Davis in a bit.)

For Young and the Hawks, the divorce was inevitable, with all parties realizing it was time to move on. 

Young was the centerpiece of the Hawks’ organization the last seven-plus years. When Young led the Hawks to two wins away from the Finals in 2021, trading him for McCollum and Kispert would’ve seemed unthinkable.

But a lot has happened since, including things souring for both parties when they failed to agree on a contract extension last summer. Meanwhile, the Hawks have failed to get past the first round of the playoffs the last four years (including missing the postseason altogether the last two seasons). 

As for this season, the Hawks went 2-8 in the 10 contests in which Young played. (Young suffered a right MCL sprain in Oct. and he missed the Hawks’ last six games because of a right quad contusion.)

Young chose Washington as his preferred trade destination and the Wizards would’ve been remiss to not gamble on the 27-year-old, four-time All-Star, who could have a lot of upside alongside their young talent amid their rebuild. 

Meanwhile, for the Hawks, jettisoning Young (who has $95 million remaining on his deal through the 2026-27 season) means they no longer have to be weighed down by his $49 million player option this offseason — and they now have a lot of financial flexibility. 

So, the Wizards got a guy with star power. As for the Hawks? In addition to McCollum’s veteran leadership and Kispert’s catch-and-shoot skills, they now have a chance to take a big swing. 

And it’s no secret Davis is their prime target. 

The Mavericks are exploring trade options for Davis nearly a year after the shocking deal that sent Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for the big man. 

The Mavericks want to build around their No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg. Davis wants a contract extension, ideally a four-year, $275 million deal, whether it’s with the Mavericks — or elsewhere. 

Dallas has so far balked at an extension after Davis suffered a string of recent injuries, including a left adductor strain in his debut with the Mavericks last season on Feb. 8, as well as groin and calf injuries this season. 

As the trade deadline approaches, Atlanta, Toronto and Golden State have all emerged as potential destinations for Davis. But Golden State appears unlikely to make the blockbuster move considering they’re opposed to trading Jimmy Butler ($54.1 million) and Draymond Green ($25.8 million) — and Steph Curry ($59.6 million) is completely off the table. 

So, watch out for the Hawks over the next month, who entered this season with high expectations in the wide open Eastern Conference, but have skidded to a record of 18-21. 

The first domino has fallen — and it could lead to a cascade soon.