The Washington Wizards have emerged as the unexpected frontrunner to land Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young. In the process, the Hawks have gained insight into what type of return they can expect and which teams could be interested in the four-time All-Star.
In the event that the Hawks opt to proceed with trading Young to the Wizards, then they must ensure that Kyshawn George is a part of the returning package.
George has quietly emerged as one of the most promising players from the polarizing 2024 NBA Draft. That could be enough to convince the Wizards to hold off on including him in a potential trade, but Young is the star the franchise lacks and a player who genuinely wants to play in Washington.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Young has named the Wizards as the franchise he's most interested in being traded to.
"Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young has the Washington Wizards as his preferred destination as the player and his current team work together on a possible trade, sources tell ESPN."
With this in mind, the Hawks should push for George as an essential piece of any trade that would ultimately send Young to the Wizards.
Hawks must ask for Kyshawn George in a potential Wizards trade
George was the last of Washington's three first-round picks in 2024, but he's making a case for being the most promising player they selected. The 22-year-old has made resounding progress between his rookie and sophomore seasons, improving his slash line from .372/.322/.753 to .467/.408/.739.
George has also made a profound leap as an all-around player with 2025-26 averages of 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.0 steal, 0.9 blocks, and 2.2 three-point field goals made per game.
By acquiring George, the Hawks would be adding a 6'8" wing with a 6'10.25" wingspan who offers value both on and away from the ball. He's shooting 46.7 percent on catch-and-shoot threes in 2025-26 and converted 34.5 percent in 2024-25, which implies there's a strong middle ground in his future.
George has also shown elite capabilities as a defender, ranking in the 83rd percentile in perimeter isolation defense and the 94th percentile in ball screen navigation, per Basketball Index.
Furthermore, adding George would create healthy and perhaps necessary competition with Zaccharie Risacher. The two could push one another to realize their respective potential and ultimately answer the question of if the 3 of the future is on the roster.
With George previously proving capable of playing shooting guard, there's also the potential for a lineup that sees both intriguing wings sharing the court with Jalen Johnson.
There's admitted risk involved in this deal, as the Hawks don't want to alienate Risacher, particularly amidst rumors that he's trade-eligible. George is simply too talented and productive to ignore as a potentially perfect two-way fit in the starting lineup.
It's probable that Atlanta will be getting more draft compensation than proven talent in a potential trade, but George is the player they need to push for.