Wizards GM Will Dawkins drops a 'rare' truth bomb on Tree Young trade

WASHINGTON, DC — Thanks to the four-time All-Star Trae Young, Washington Wizards are a hot topic in the NBA landscape for the first time in years. They agreed to send veterans CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for the star point guard on Wednesday, but did not officially announce the deal until Friday.

Wizards general manager Will Dawkins offered a statement in a team statement.

“We are excited to welcome Trae Young to the Washington Wizards. It is a rare opportunity to acquire Trey’s skills, accomplishments and age,” he said. “Trey plays exciting basketball that brings a level of confidence and competitiveness that has set him apart in this league.”

“We thank Corey and CJ for being consummate professionals during their time in Washington,” he continued. “Although they have spent different amounts of time here, they have both left a lasting impact on this organization that we hope our players will carry on.”

Team owner Ted Leonsis, too issued a statement on social networks.

“Welcome to DC and the Washington Wizards, Tree Young! Kudos to (team president) Michael Winger, Will Dawkins and the entire front office for their leadership, discipline and long-term vision as they continue to build #ForTheDistrict,” he said. “Thank you to both CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert for their contributions to the Wizards on the court and in our community.”

Washington will hold an introductory news conference with Young and Dawkins before Friday night’s home game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Trae Young ushers in a new era for the Wizards

Former Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) tries to pass the ball to the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center. — © Kamil Krzaczinski-Imagn Images

Young may not stay in Washington long term, but his arrival is still exciting for the city. Aside from former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook’s one-season stint with the team in 2020-21, the Wizards haven’t had a player at his level since John Wall and Bradley Beal, who led them to the Eastern Conference semifinals three times from 2012-2020.

Washington traded Wall to Houston Rockets for Westbrook in December 2020, which led him to the first round of the 2020-21 playoffs along with the Bills. That’s settled then Westbrook to the Los Angeles Lakers in August 2021, and the franchise has yet to reach the playoffs or have a winning season since then.

The Wizards signed Dawkins and Winger after the 2022-23 season and traded Beal to the Phoenix Suns for Chris Paulwhich they then redirected to the Golden State Warriors. Washington got Jordan Poole in exchange for Paul, who is then traded to the Pelicans for McCollum last offseason. Finally, the organization traded McCollum and Kispert for Young on Wednesday.

Young, who averaged 25.2 points and 9.8 assists over his career, is one of the best players in Hawks history. The 27-year-old led them to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2020-21 as well as two more playoff appearances after being acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in the 2018 draft for Luka Doncic. He is making $46 million this season and has a $49 million player option next season.

Young (quad contusion, MCL sprain) will not play against New Orleans on Friday (per the Wizards’ injury report) and has played just 10 games this season. However, the Texas native introduced himself Washington fans in front of his reporters on Friday, via the team’s social media.