Trae Young, Trae Young trade, Houston Rockets
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Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks drives against the Chicago Bulls during the second quarter at State Farm Arena on December 23, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Atlanta Hawks trading Trae Young to the Washington Wizards is starting a new chapter for the popular point guard. Young has proven to be an All-Star caliber player at his best, but Atlanta felt it was their best bet to move forward without him. Jalen Johnson making a big improvement this season caused the trade, and Washington became content with the idea of acquiring a big name for the first time since moving Bradley Beal.
However, it is unclear if or when Young will even play for the Wizards this season. Washington has one of the worst records in the league and holds a pace that will land them a high lottery pick. The Atlantic reported that Young’s current injury could delay his Wizards’ debut.
“Young returned from his knee sprain on Dec. 18 and played five games (in which Atlanta went 0-5) and last played Dec. 27 before suffering a right quadriceps contusion. The sprain, though, is not fully healed, and Washington will give Young as much time as he needs to get completely healthy.”
The report indicates that Washington has no reason to rush this and could sit out Young for quite some time. Next season is when the Wizards hope to make a big improvement, and more losses this season could help them get another top prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Should Trae Young Play This Season?
Young should clearly rehab his injury and only return when his body feels right. However, Washington sitting out Young longer than his health dictates could present a problem for the league. Young’s injury is not expected to be a season-ending one, nor is it one that should last beyond the All-Star break unless he hits a hiccup in rehab.
The NBA might step in if the Wizards try to keep their most popular player out since that hurts the live game element. Recent reports have confirmed that Commissioner Adam Silver is frustrated about tanking in the league and is considering making big changes for the future to limit this.
Young playing again this season should be a safe bet since we’re not even halfway through the total games just yet. There is too much time for Washington to just avoid playing him in this season’s remaining games. Young is not expected to play back-to-back games, and he would be ruled out quickly if more injury issues arise.
Will Trae Young Help Washington Win?
The prize on Washington’s mind is having a better chance at the playoffs next season. Multiple young players could take steps forward with a top assists leader like Young running the offense. The Wizards also have the option to draft another high pick or trade for another game changer.
Rebuilding has worked enough for Washington to have trade assets and hope for the near future. Young is talented enough to lead a good offense and add more wins than the Wizards have experienced in recent memory.
However, the playoffs and moving towards contending in the East remains a tougher task. Washington must fully get the best out of Young and make the next moves count. Every upcoming player must be a successful acquisition or drafting for the new look Wizards to accomplish their goals.