Surprise Suitor Could Save the Bucks from a Huge Trae Young Mistake: Why the Wizards Emerging as Favorites is a Blessing in Disguise
In the ever-churning world of NBA trade rumors, few stories have captured the imagination quite like the impending departure of Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks. As of early January 2026, reports indicate that Young and the Hawks are collaboratively working toward a trade, with the four-time All-Star’s agents assisting in finding a suitable landing spot. Amidst this buzz, the Milwaukee Bucks have been repeatedly linked as a potential destination, fueling fan speculation about pairing Young with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. However, a deeper dive reveals that acquiring Young could be a catastrophic misstep for the Bucks—one that risks exacerbating their existing issues rather than solving them.
Enter the surprise suitor: the Washington Wizards. Recent reporting from credible sources like Marc Stein has positioned the Wizards as the frontrunners to land Young, potentially in a deal centered around expiring contracts and modest draft compensation. This development isn’t just a shift in the trade market; it could genuinely save the Bucks from committing what many analysts view as a “huge mistake.” In this in-depth piece, we’ll unpack the Trae Young saga, why he’s a poor fit for Milwaukee, the Wizards’ unexpected rise as the leading candidate, and what this means for the Bucks’ fragile championship window.
Trae Young’s Complicated Legacy in Atlanta and Declining Trade Value
Trae Young burst onto the NBA scene as a dynamic, undersized point guard with elite scoring and playmaking abilities. Drafted fifth overall in 2018, he quickly became the face of the Hawks, leading them to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021 with his ice-cold three-point shooting and wizardry in the pick-and-roll. Career averages of around 25 points and 10 assists speak to his offensive prowess—he’s a walking highlight reel capable of dropping 50 points or dishing 15 dimes on any given night.
But cracks have emerged. The Hawks have stagnated, missing the playoffs in recent seasons despite Young’s individual brilliance. Defensive metrics paint a grim picture: Atlanta’s defense plummets when Young is on the floor, often ranking among the league’s worst units. His ball-dominant style demands heavy usage (typically over 35% usage rate), which can stifle teammates’ development and create heliocentric offenses that fizzle in the postseason. Playoff opponents routinely target him in switches, exposing his 6’1″ frame and lack of lateral quickness.
Compounding this is Young’s contract situation. He’s earning approximately $46 million this season, with a $49 million player option for 2026-27. Any acquiring team would need to negotiate an extension to secure him long-term, but his perceived ceiling as a first-option star has cooled the market. Teams like the Spurs, Lakers, and Heat—once rumored suitors—have backed away, leaving Atlanta scrambling for viable partners. As one insider noted, Young’s value has dipped to the point where he’s seen more as a high-volume scorer for rebuilding teams than a cornerstone for contenders.
This is where the Bucks enter the conversation, and why alarm bells should be ringing in Milwaukee.
Why Trae Young Would Be a Disastrous Fit for the Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks are in a precarious position. After trading for Damian Lillard in 2023, expectations skyrocketed for a Giannis-Lillard superduo capable of dominating the East. Yet, results have been mixed: defensive lapses, spacing issues, and chemistry hiccups have plagued the team. Giannis remains an MVP-caliber force, but whispers of discontent loom, with his contract allowing an opt-out in the coming years. Milwaukee’s front office is desperate to maximize his prime, reportedly monitoring big splashes ahead of the trade deadline.
On paper, Young could address some needs—elite shot creation, deep-range shooting, and pick-and-roll mastery to complement Giannis’ rim attacks. Mock trades have circulated, such as sending Bobby Portis, draft picks (like a distant 2031 first), and salary fillers to Atlanta in exchange for Young. Proponents argue it would give Giannis another elite creator, easing the burden on Lillard and unlocking a high-octane offense.
But scratch the surface, and the fit crumbles.
First, redundancy with Lillard. Both Young and Lillard are ball-dominant guards who thrive with the rock in their hands. Pairing them would create the same heliocentric issues that doomed the Lillard experiment initially—two players needing high usage, leading to stagnant offense and poor spacing when one sits. Young’s defensive liabilities would compound Lillard’s, turning Milwaukee into a sieve on that end. The Bucks already struggle with perimeter defense; adding Young could make them unplayable in playoff series against teams like Boston or Cleveland.
Second, financial and asset risk. The Bucks are deep in the luxury tax, with limited draft capital after previous trades. Giving up future picks for a player who might walk in 2027 (or demand a max extension) is reckless, especially with Giannis’ future hanging in the balance. Young’s style doesn’t elevate contenders; he’s proven to be a stat-padder on middling teams, not a difference-maker in title runs.
Third, opportunity cost. Milwaukee needs wing defense, size, and versatility—not another undersized guard. Pursuing Young smacks of desperation, repeating the Lillard trade’s pitfalls: sacrificing depth for star power without addressing core weaknesses.
Analysts like those at Behind the Buck Pass have bluntly called it a “huge mistake,” arguing Young’s addition would bring “more headaches than benefits” to a playoff-pushing team.
The Wizards Step In: The Unexpected Frontrunners
Just when Bucks fans braced for a potential Young acquisition, a lifeline appeared from an unlikely source: the Washington Wizards.
As reported widely in early 2026, the Wizards have emerged as the legitimate favorites to land Young. Marc Stein broke the story, noting discussions centered around veteran guard C.J. McCollum’s expiring contract (around $30-31 million) for salary matching, plus young pieces like Corey Kispert or Malaki Branham, and modest draft compensation—perhaps second-rounders or a protected first from Oklahoma City (which Washington owns and is projected low).
Why the Wizards? They’re in rebuild mode but with intriguing young talent: Alex Sarr as a mobile big, Bilal Coulibaly’s two-way potential, and wings like Tre Johnson and Kyshawn George. Adding Young could accelerate their timeline, creating an exciting, high-scoring backcourt while mentoring the youth. Owner Ted Leonsis has shown willingness for bold moves to inject star power and fan excitement, even if it means short-term defensive pain.
For Atlanta, this deal provides salary relief (McCollum’s expiring deal), shooting (Kispert), and assets without gutting Washington’s core. It’s not a haul, but given Young’s limited market, it’s realistic.
Other teams like the Timberwolves and Clippers have “monitored” the situation, per HoopsHype, but lack the appetite or assets for a aggressive bid. Betting odds reflect this: Wizards at +400 or better in some markets, ahead of darker horses like the Bucks at 10/1.
This Wizards surge has displaced Milwaukee in rumors, offering relief to those wary of a Bucks-Young union.
What This Means for the Bucks: Dodge a Bullet and Pivot Wisely
The Wizards’ involvement is a godsend for Milwaukee. It reduces pressure to overpay for a mismatched star, preserving assets for better targets—perhaps a defensive wing like OG Anunoby (if available) or a big like Jarrett Allen. The Bucks can focus on tweaking around Giannis and Lillard: better bench scoring, perimeter defense, and health.
Giannis’ loyalty hinges on contention. A misguided Young trade could accelerate dissatisfaction, pushing him toward the exit. Avoiding it keeps the door open for smarter moves this deadline or in the offseason.
In conclusion, Trae Young’s trade saga highlights the NBA’s ruthless talent evaluation. He’s a star with flaws that suit rebuilding more than contending. The Wizards swooping in as favorites isn’t just a surprise—it’s potentially the move that saves the Bucks from themselves. Milwaukee should thank Washington quietly and redirect their energy toward sustainable upgrades. The championship window with Giannis is narrowing; don’t slam it shut with a panic trade.
Leave a Reply