Trae Young is recovering from MCL and quad injuries on the same leg and will be re-evaluated after the mid-February All-Star break, sources told ESPN. The Washington Wizards are taking a cautious approach with their new trade acquisition as he works back from the injuries.
Young has played in only 10 games this season and is averaging 19.3 points and 8.9 assists in 28.0 minutes.
Washington owes the New York Knicks their 2026 first-round draft pick, but it carries top-eight protection. If the pick lands within the top eight selections in the draft lottery, the Wizards retain it and the Knicks receive two second-round picks instead. This situation incentivizes Washington to finish with one of the league’s worst records to preserve their valuable lottery selection.
The Wizards acquired Young to serve as their franchise anchor, but his injury timeline means he will miss significant time during his first season in Washington.
Young’s absence allows Washington’s young players additional development opportunities while potentially improving their draft positioning. The combination of tanking incentives and injury recovery creates a situation where the Wizards benefit from patience with Young.
The 26-year-old guard has a $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season and becomes Washington’s cornerstone as the franchise looks for its young core to develop. The Hawks declined to offer Young a contract extension in the offseason, which led to his eventual trade to the Wizards.
Young is currently the 10th highest-paid point guard in the NBA based on annual average value. He is not expected to command a max contract on his next deal, sources say.