The Washington Wizards are taking a long view with Trae Young, and that approach may define the franchise's direction for the next two seasons.
According to Joshua Robbins of The Athletic, Washington does not expect Young to play much, if at all, during the 2025-26 season. Instead, the organization is targeting 2026-27 as the true beginning of the Young era, with hopes he can return fully healthy and take over as the team's starting point guard.
A Calculated Rebuild Strategy
The decision aligns cleanly with the Wizards' broader rebuild. Washington owns its 2026 first-round pick, which is top-eight protected and owed to the New York Knicks if it falls outside that range. Prioritizing development and draft positioning this season increases the odds of retaining that pick in a loaded draft.
Young's health provides additional justification. He has not fully recovered from a knee sprain suffered earlier this season and later sustained a right quadriceps contusion. While neither injury is expected to be career-altering, Washington has little incentive to rush a 26-year-old guard with a $49 million player option for 2026-27.
MORE: Giannis Antetokounmpo Sends Clear Message on Bucks Future From a league standpoint, prolonged inactivity raises questions. Young's injury is not considered season-ending, and sitting him well past medical necessity could attract scrutiny. Commissioner Adam Silver has been vocal about curbing tanking, particularly when star players are involved.
That said, Washington can reasonably argue caution. Expect limited appearances rather than a full shutdown, no back-to-backs and quick exits if setbacks arise.
The Bigger Picture
Washington's real objective is 2026. With Young orchestrating the offense, a young core could stabilize quickly. The Wizards may also add another elite prospect, with early draft projections featuring players such as Darryn Peterson (Kansas Jayhawks), AJ Dybantsa (BYU Cougars), or Cameron Boozer (Duke Blue Devils).
There is no firm timeline for Young's Wizards debut. But if Washington opts to sacrifice the present for a healthier, more cohesive future, the patience may finally pay off.
Newsweek