The Athletic NBA Daily — Jan 8, 2026
Episode: Trae Young Traded to Wizards
Hosts: Dave DuFour, S. Baraheni
Guests: Josh Robbins (The Athletic), Brian Geisinger (Buzz Beat Podcast)
Episode Overview
This episode is packed with breaking NBA news and in-depth discussion. The big headline: Trae Young has been traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. The hosts break down the deal, debate its long-term impact, and analyze both the Hawks' and Wizards' strategies. Plus, lively recaps of a thrilling NBA game night, and a deep-dive on the Charlotte Hornets’ unexpected developmental progress with guest Brian Geisinger.
Breaking News: Trae Young Traded to the Wizards
(Starts at 01:44)
The Trade Details
- To Atlanta Hawks: CJ McCollum, Corey Kispert
- To Washington Wizards: Trae Young
Josh Robbins: “Trae Young did not agree to a long-term extension during the offseason or in the past few months. The Washington Wizards lack a long-term solution at point guard. … This appears to be a very low risk, relatively low cost move from the Wizards' standpoint.” (02:26)
Analysis: Why and How Did This Happen?
- No draft picks included, despite widespread speculation.
- “There was so much speculation in so many corners of the Internet, TV, that the Wizards would be sending the Hawks picks… That part, I never thought was going to happen.” — Josh Robbins (04:00)
- Trae Young’s contract has a $49M player option next year; his future with Washington remains uncertain.
- Trial Run: Both sides have the rest of the season (or next) to evaluate the fit. (05:07)
- Bird Rights: Wizards gain Young’s Bird Rights, helping with potential long-term negotiations. (06:23)
The Wizards’ Rationale & Fit
- Washinton seeking a true point guard after years of transition.
- Trae Young provides elite playmaking and floor-spacing, possibly unlocking more potential from young talents like Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Trey Johnson, Keshawn George, Bub Carrington.
- “He has so much gravity with the ball… that should open up driving lanes for explosive players… They should feast on the gravity that he creates. … If Trae Young can make Clint Capela one of the league’s top lob threats, then he should help elevate Alex Sarr.” — Josh Robbins (07:10)
The Hawks’ Motivation
- Hawks acquire two quality wings+ball-handling in McCollum and Kispert, remain competitive in the East.
- Speculation that Atlanta may leverage new flexibility for further moves.
The Wizards’ Front Office Success
- Wizard’s asset management praised — over several deals since the Bradley Beal trade, they’ve compiled pick swaps, seconds, saved money, and built a core:
- “They basically went from Bradley Beal to Chris Paul to Jordan Poole to CJ McCollum and to now Trae Young. And through that process… pick swaps, six 2nd round picks, and they saved $16M. … Un-real organization from the Wizards.” — S. Baraheni (09:19)
Highlighted Segment: The Game Winners and NBA Recap
(Starts at 12:38)
Nuggets Triumph Over Celtics
- Jamal Murray: 22 pts, 17 assists, 8 reb.
- Nuggets’ depth emerges, young players like Peyton Watson shine (6/7 from three).
- “The thing that was missing for [Watson] was the shooting. … It's how confident and how willing of a shooter he has turned himself into.” — Dave DuFour (12:46)
- Defensive efforts: Nuggets hold Celtics to 34% in Q4.
Thunder vs. Jazz: SGA Clutch OT Win
- Lowry Markkanen nearly steals victory for Utah, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (46 points) ties game at buzzer despite rolling his ankle. Thunder win in OT.
- “You can't get to the overtime with the Thunder without 46 points from SGA.” — S. Baraheni (16:33)
Magic vs. Nets: Banchero Banks the Winner
- Wild ending: Jagor Dolman nails would-be Nets winner; Paolo Banchero responds with his own banked buzzer-beater for Magic win (30 pts).
- “That bank shot was awesome. … Joman, I think, has been putting together some good performances. And it starts with the shooting. Like, the dude can shoot the lights out, 30-foot range.” — S. Baraheni (17:33)
Raptors vs. Hornets: Quickley Snatches It
- LaMelo Ball hits possible game-winner with 1.8 seconds left, but Emmanuel Quickley responds for Raptors.
- “Terrible offensive game… but that was something [Quickley] absolutely needed to go down.” — S. Baraheni (18:54)
Deep Dive: Charlotte Hornets Development
With Brian Geisinger (Buzz Beat Podcast)
(Starts at 23:23)
Hornets Overperforming in a Rebuild Year
- Surprising competitiveness, closing in on a play-in spot.
- “This is a turnaround of a season regardless. … From a development standpoint, it’s been significant.” — Dave DuFour (24:25)
Rookie Standouts & Young Core
- Khan Canippal: Top-three rookie, record-pace for three-pointers, vital as shooter, connector, screener. (25:04)
- LaMelo Ball & Brandon Miller: Health improves unit, unlocking new offensive heights.
- Young support: Seon James, Ryan Colbert (second-rounders) showing promise.
Quote:
“He can be a connector, he can screen, but he clearly has more upside with the ball in his hands. … I don’t think Khan projects as…, you know, ever like a top 15 guy in the league…, but I think he can be a really good, number two style option.” — Brian Geisinger (27:25)
What’s Next? Hornets’ Path Forward
- Focused on patience and development, unlikely to be trade deadline buyers.
- Retaining draft capital, hoping for another top draft pick to complement core.
- LaMelo Ball: Ongoing question due to injuries; the trio of Ball, Miller, Canippal too intriguing to break up unless forced.
- “My guess is that they’re just going to try to keep it rolling. … I worry long-term about the health of LaMelo, that’s the thing that sort of, like, concerns me the most.” — Brian Geisinger (31:27)
Potential moves:
Colin Sexton, Josh Green, or Miles Bridges could be dealt, but no clear path yet.
Memorable Quotes & Moments
-
On Trae’s Fit with Wizards:
“He has so much gravity… it should open up driving lanes for explosive players…”
— Josh Robbins (07:10) -
On Jamal Murray:
“We’ve been saying, this is an all, all star season for him… you say, look at this game where they go into Boston… look at what he did.”
— Dave DeFour (12:03) -
On the Wizards’ Asset Flip:
“They basically went from Bradley Beal… to now Trae Young.… Un-real organization from the Wizards.”
— S. Baraheni (09:19) -
On the Hornets’ Young Core:
“To have a top four pick in [the 2025 draft] and to hit on it is significant. … Khan has done more than just shoot — he’s created offense, he’s been a connector.”
— Brian Geisinger (25:04) -
On Raleigh Fast Food:
“The Cookout parking lot is sort of like a mythical place… if you’re a high schooler in the state of North Carolina.”
— Brian Geisinger (34:12)
Key Timestamps
- 01:44 — Breaking: Trae Young traded to Wizards (Josh Robbins joins)
- 04:57 — Trade analysis: "Trial run" dynamic
- 07:10 — Gravity & offensive fit for Trae with Wizards’ young shooters
- 09:19 — Wizards’ trade tree from Beal; organizational praise
- 12:38 — Nuggets stun Celtics; Jamal Murray's huge night
- 15:24 — Thunder escape in OT thanks to SGA
- 16:47 — Magic & Nets: wild finish with banked buzzer-beaters
- 18:35 — Raptors vs. Hornets: Quickley strikes last
- 23:23 — Hornets’ improvement, rookie breakouts (with Brian Geisinger)
- 27:25 — Khan Canippal’s ceiling
- 31:27 — Hornets’ patience with LaMelo Ball; draft strategy
- 34:00 — Bojangles vs. Cookout (North Carolina food culture)
Summary
This episode delivers a must-hear breakdown of the league’s newest blockbuster trade, sharp game analysis from an action-packed NBA night, and a genuinely informative look inside rebuilding strategies, all with the NBA Daily crew's signature mix of wit and insight.
Key takeaways:
- The Trae Young trade is a gamble for both teams, but perhaps a bigger opportunity for Washington.
- The Wizards' front office is getting overdue credit for asset management.
- Game recaps spotlight both stars and surprise contributors, reflecting the league’s depth.
- The Charlotte Hornets are ahead of schedule in their rebuild, with a core that offers legitimate hope.
For deeper dives on Hornets coverage, check out Brian Geisinger on the Buzz Beat podcast and The Athletic for Josh Robbins’ reporting.