"C.J. McCollum has become a different player in Atlanta. His time with the Hawks has largely looked very different, as Atlanta has asked significantly less of the star, allowing him to thrive in a different role."
"McCollum showed flashes as a scorer, highlighted by a 46 point night in a win over the Young-less Hawks in November. His veteran savvy gave the Wizards' offense a safety net amid the inconsistencies of their young stars."
"McCollum has a -0.9 defensive plus-minus in Atlanta, whereas he was a -2.7 in Washington. His greater activity as an on-ball defender has also shown up on the stat sheet, with 24 blocks over his 23 games in Atlanta."
On January 7th, 2026, the Wizards traded for Trae Young, sending C.J. McCollum and Corey Kispert to the Hawks. Initially, the trade was well-received as part of Washington's rebuild. However, after a rough stretch, doubts have emerged. Young has played only five games, while McCollum has excelled in Atlanta, contributing to their rise in the Eastern Conference. McCollum's role has shifted, improving his defensive metrics, raising questions about the trade's long-term impact on the Wizards and their decision to part with McCollum.
Read at Wiz of Awes
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