Explosion! The first trade of 2026! The Hawks' ultimate target is Anthony Davis

it's done, the matter is settled.

The Hawks sent 27-year-old Trae Young to the Wizards, getting back only 34-year-old CJ McCollum and 26-year-old Cory Kispert, without any draft picks...

Indeed, this All-Star guard in his prime had such low trade value that he couldn't even bring in a first-round pick or a second-round pick.

Actually, ever since last offseason when the Hawks declined to offer Trae Young a four-year $229 million max extension early, and considering Young had a player option this summer allowing him to reject it and enter free agency early, it was destined that the two sides would part ways during this season, so sending him to the Wizards now is only natural.

Trae Young spent eight seasons with the Hawks, averaging 25.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 9.8 assists, and 1 steal per game in the regular season, and 26.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 9 assists, and 1.2 steals in the playoffs. During this time, he was a four-time All-Star and once led the league in assists, with his peak moment being the 2020-21 season when he led the team to the Eastern Conference Finals.

The question is, why did the Hawks "sell" Trae Young so cheaply? They were willing to trade him for just a veteran and a role player.

Firstly, Trae Young specifically requested to go to the Wizards, where he is expected to sign a three-year $157 million extension with his new team; secondly and most importantly, CJ McCollum, whom the Hawks received, is in the final year of his contract this season, allowing the Hawks to part ways with him this summer or use him as a trade asset.

According to sources from Shams,after trading away Trae Young, the Hawks have gained financial flexibility to pursue high-salary players in the coming months, particularly Anthony Davis, who has long been available from the Mavericks' trade list.

A healthy Anthony Davis remains one of the league's most versatile All-Star big men on both ends of the floor, currently averaging 20.3 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. This season, he earns $54.13 million, with combined salaries of about $120 million over the next two seasons. Not only the Hawks, but Eastern Conference playoff teams like the Pistons and Raptors are also eager to acquire him.

Whether Anthony Davis joins the Hawks or another team, it's not just about chasing a championship, but at age 32, it's about securing what could be the final max contract of his playing career.