Trae Young
The Washington Wizards have officially entered a new phase of their rebuild after acquiring Trae Young in a deal that surprised much of the league. Washington landed the former All-Star from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, with no draft picks changing hands.
The return raised eyebrows, but the move was less about immediate wins and more about long-term flexibility. Young arrives in Washington dealing with an ankle injury and coming off a stretch in Atlanta where he appeared in only 10 games this season. The Hawks went just 2–8 in those appearances, and the organization had already signaled that a contract extension was unlikely. Once both sides agreed to explore trade options, Young’s preference quickly became clear. He wanted Washington, and he got his wish.
From the Wizards’ perspective, the timing matters as much as the talent. The franchise does not view Young as a short-term fix. Instead, this move centers on positioning the roster for 2026 and beyond, while preserving as many options as possible along the way.
Wizards Prioritize Patience Over Immediate Results
Washington has no urgency to rush Young back onto the floor. He missed Atlanta’s previous six games with the ankle issue, and a league source indicated that the plan involves rehabbing the injury internally with no pressure to accelerate his return. The Wizards do not need wins this season, and limiting Young’s availability could naturally suppress their win total over the remaining schedule.
There is a recent blueprint for that approach. The Toronto Raptors followed a similar path last season after trading for Brandon Ingram. Ingram suffered an ankle sprain in early December and never returned after arriving from the New Orleans Pelicans in February. Toronto finished 30–52, landed in the draft lottery, and ultimately secured the ninth pick.
Washington’s goals align more with future development than short-term momentum. The organization views Young as a potential foundational piece beginning in 2026, assuming he remains under contract.
Washington’s Options With Young’s $49M Decision
Young holds a $49 million player option for the 2026–27 season, and that decision will shape Washington’s next steps, The Athletic reports. If he declines the option and enters free agency, the Wizards plan to make a full push to re-sign him, according to a league source. Internally, the team values keeping control of the asset rather than risking the possibility of losing him for nothing.
On the court, the Wizards like the fit. Young’s pick-and-roll playmaking could pair naturally with rookie big man Alex Sarr, while his passing ability could help unlock shooter Tre Johnson. Washington also believes it has personnel capable of covering for Young defensively. Sarr leads the league in blocks per game, and Bilal Coulibaly provides physical perimeter defense.
Still, free agency is not guaranteed. If Young opts into the final year of his deal, Washington gains another layer of flexibility. The Wizards would then sit down with Young and his representatives to determine whether the partnership still makes sense, with all outcomes remaining on the table. A trade, an extension, or playing out the season in Washington would all stay in play.
Even after acquiring Young, the Wizards project to hold significant cap space this summer. That flexibility opens two potential paths, taking on unwanted contracts attached to future assets while also adding veterans who can contribute sooner. With no outgoing first-round pick tied to this deal, Washington hopes to strike a balance between patience now and competitiveness by 2026–27.