The Washington Wizards are reportedly exploring a trade that could bring All-Star point guard Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks to the nation’s capital. Despite Young’s physical profile—standing at just 6-foot-2, which does not align with the size preference of Wizards president Michael Winger and general manager Will Dawkins—there are compelling reasons for this potential acquisition, especially if it involves future draft picks or promising young talent.
In recent years, Winger and Dawkins have favored players with above-average size, drafting names like Bub Carrington, Bilal Coulibaly, and Tre Johnson. However, the Wizards may prioritize future draft capital and young players more than mere positional size. Young’s contract includes a $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season, making him the highest-paid player on the team if acquired. The Wizards currently project to have around $80 million in cap space for that season, due in part to several high-value contracts expiring, including those of CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton.
Integrating Young into the Wizards’ lineup presents both opportunities and challenges. On the offensive side, Young’s exceptional shooting range and ability to attract defenders beyond the arc could create significant spacing for teammates. His strong passing skills—having averaged over 10 assists per game three times—would help younger players like Johnson, who has excelled at making wide-open three-point attempts, and other developing shooters such as Carrington and George.
Young’s proficiency in pick-and-roll scenarios is particularly appealing, as it would enhance the effectiveness of Wizards big men, especially Sarr, who could benefit from easier scoring opportunities at the rim. Under coach Brian Keefe, the Wizards have focused on a ball-movement-heavy offense, and Young’s skills align well with these principles.
However, potential concerns remain about Young’s defensive capabilities, which have been a point of frustration for the Hawks. His size makes him vulnerable at the point of attack, and Washington cannot afford to add more defensive liabilities, especially given their current struggles, ranking 29th in the NBA in defensive efficiency. Despite these issues, a swap involving McCollum for Young could mitigate some defensive concerns, as McCollum has also been a liability.
If the Wizards decide to pursue this trade, it could represent a bold gamble akin to a one-year trial. Should Young perform well, he could provide the star power the Wizards currently lack; if not, his expiring contract could become an asset for potential future deals. With low attendance numbers averaging around 15,865 fans per home game, acquiring a player like Young could energize the franchise, drawing more fans to the arena and possibly revitalizing the team’s offensive output.