The long-standing partnership between Atlanta and its franchise cornerstone is finally nearing its conclusion.

After seven-and-a-half seasons as the focal point of the franchise, four-time All-Star point guard Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks are mutually working to find a trade destination ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline. According to reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania, Young’s representatives have entered "collaborative" discussions with Hawks General Manager Onsi Saleh to facilitate a move.

The news marks a somber turning point for a relationship that peaked with a historic run to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals. However, with the Hawks sitting at 17-21 and a younger, more defensive-minded core emerging, both sides appear ready for a fresh start. ESPN’s Marc Spears noted on NBA Today that while Young hasn't formally demanded a trade, he is "open-minded" to being moved and wants to handle the transition carefully to maintain his connection with the city.

While Young remains a premier offensive talent—ranking as the Hawks' all-time leader in assists and 3-pointers at just 27—his fit within the team’s current direction has come under a microscope.

The Hawks have struggled with Young on the floor this season, posting a 2-8 record in his 10 appearances. Defensively, the data is stark: The Athletic and ESPN report that Atlanta’s defensive rating balloons to a league-worst 126.2 when Young is active. In contrast, the team has found a different rhythm in his absence, going 15-13 while leaning into the breakout play of forward Jalen Johnson.

The decision not to offer Young a contract extension this past summer, combined with a $100 million extension for defensive standout Dyson Daniels, signaled that the front office was already preparing for this eventual "Re-Route."

Finding a trade partner for a player owed $46 million this season with a $49 million player option for 2026-27 is a complex financial puzzle. However, Yahoo Sports and NBA insider Marc Stein have identified the Washington Wizards as a "legitimate potential trade destination."

The framework of a potential deal would likely center around:

• CJ McCollum’s $30.7 million expiring contract.
• Khris Middleton’s expiring deal.
• Future draft capital to balance the salary cap restrictions of the new CBA.

A move to Washington would reunite Young with Travis Schlenk, the current Wizards VP of Player Personnel, who famously drafted Young No. 5 overall in 2018.

For Atlanta, moving Young is a massive financial pivot. By clearing his salary and letting Kristaps Porziņģis' expiring deal fall off the books, the Hawks could enter the 2026 offseason with nearly $50 million in cap space.

According to projections from The Athletic, this flexibility—combined with the New Orleans Pelicans' unprotected 2026 first-round pick—positions Atlanta to build a new juggernaut. The Hawks could potentially pair Jalen Johnson with a top 2026 prospect like AJ Dybantsa or Cameron Boozer.

As the trade market heats up, the star who once defined Atlanta basketball seems ready to take his talents to a new city, ending one of the most prolific individual runs in franchise history.