Hawks GM unveils the strategic vision behind shipping Trae Young to Washington, prioritizing balance, leadership, and future flexibility with new acquisitions.
The Atlanta Hawks framed the trade that sent Trae Young to Washington as a forward-looking reset, with general manager Onsi Saleh emphasizing organizational balance, leadership, and long-term flexibility in remarks released after the deal was completed.
Atlanta acquired C.J. McCollum and Corey Kispert from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Trae Young, ending Young’s seven-plus-year tenure as the face of the franchise and one of the most prolific offensive players in team history.
While the move closes a defining chapter for the Hawks, Saleh’s comments focused less on what Atlanta is losing and more on how the organization intends to evolve. The front office positioned the trade as an opportunity to reshape the roster’s structure while preserving optionality for future moves.
Saleh first addressed Young’s departure by acknowledging the guard’s significance to both the team and the city.
He said the organization wanted to recognize Young’s impact beyond the court.
“On behalf of the Hawks franchise, I’d like to thank Trae for how he embraced the city of Atlanta and represented the Hawks during his time here, on the court and in the community,” Saleh said.
Saleh then placed Young’s tenure in historical context, underscoring how central he had been to the Hawks’ identity since arriving in 2018.
“Over more than seven seasons, including four All-Star appearances, he cemented himself as a fan favorite and one of the great players in our franchise’s history,” Saleh said.
He concluded that portion of his remarks with a clear note of closure.
“We wish Trae and his family all the best,” Saleh said.
Young leaves Atlanta as the franchise’s all-time leader in assists and made three-pointers and as the catalyst behind the Hawks’ unexpected run to the Eastern Conference finals in 2021. He averaged more than 25 points and nearly 10 assists per game during his Hawks career, serving as the engine of the team’s offense throughout his tenure.
After reflecting on Young’s legacy, Saleh pivoted to explaining why Atlanta believed McCollum and Kispert fit the direction the franchise is trying to establish.
He said the Hawks valued the combination of experience, shooting and professionalism the two veterans bring.
“Adding CJ McCollum, one of the NBA’s most prolific shooters and a respected veteran, along with an established young veteran in Corey Kispert, will strengthen our team on the court and in the locker room,” Saleh said.
McCollum arrives with more than a decade of NBA experience and a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable perimeter scorers. Kispert adds efficient floor spacing and positional versatility, traits Atlanta has prioritized as it rebalances its roster.
Saleh emphasized that the deal was also constructed with long-term planning in mind, signaling that the Hawks are not locking themselves into a single competitive path.
He said maintaining maneuverability was a central goal.
“We retain flexibility for future opportunities to continue building our program,” Saleh said.
Rather than framing the move as a rebuild or a step back, the Hawks presented it as a strategic shift — one rooted in balance, depth and adaptability. Saleh’s comments made clear that Atlanta views the trade not as an endpoint, but as the beginning of a new phase designed to support sustainable growth as the franchise turns the page on the Trae Young era.
Atlanta acquired McCollum and Kispert in exchange for Young, ending Young’s seven-plus-year run as the face of the franchise. Saleh’s comments made clear the Hawks believe the timing and structure of the move align with a broader recalibration of the program.