The Washington Wizards are days removed from landing star guard Trae Young in the first blockbuster trade of the regular season.
Between the Atlanta Hawks' desire to move in a different direction and Young's search for a fresh start, the Wizards interest and hope to find an answer for arguably the biggest weakness on the roster, the stars aligned perfectly for both sides to increase their urgency to get a deal done.
Washington managed to land a playmaker the front office feels can elevate their rebuild to the next level and considering the 27-year-old's skillset, it's hard to deny that the Wizards bold move could be the exact risk that pays off if everything unfolds how the team hopes it will.
However, Young's arrival ultimately led to the departure of two Wizards, who have quietly become fan favorites in Washington during their time.
First and foremost, Corey Kispert arrived in Washington in 2021 after being selected No. 15 overall by the Wizards.
The Gonzaga product didn't emerge into a star during his time in the DMV, but he embraced what it meant to be a Wizard and for that, fans will always be thankful.
In addition to Kispert, the other outgoing player was veteran guard CJ McCollum, who was acquired this offseason in the move that granted the Wizards a get out of jail free card in regards to Jordan Poole's long-term contract.
Since arriving in D.C., the writing was on the wall for McCollum's stint in Washington to be brief, but that didn't stop the veteran from doing everything he could to serve as a valuable mentor for the team's young core during his time.
Between his leadership and the unforgettable moments he provided on the court with his big time performances, McCollum's impact in Washington won't go unnoticed.
In addition to his impact, McCollum's parting message about his time in Washington speaks volumes about the direction the organization is moving in.
CJ McCollum embraces time in D.C.
McCollum shared his parting words about his time in Washington with NBA Insider Chris Haynes following the trade:
“Loved my time in DC. Organization was great to my family and I," McCollum said. "Michael Winger and Will [Dawkins] did everything they said they would and kept their word from the very beginning. Love the city and they’re doing things the right way over there."
The 34-year-old has done nothing but praise the Wizards young core and decision-makers since arriving in Washington and the fact that he has nothing but glowing remarks about the organization and the direction they're moving in going forward can't be overlooked.
Washington is on the rise and as players continue to leave the team positive reviews, the DMV will only continue trending as a destination that players could gain interest in joining.