The Washington Wizards decision to make a blockbuster swing for four-time All-Star Trae Young came out of nowhere.
Washington has quietly become one of the most aggressive teams on the trade front over the last few seasons, but more so for unwanted contracts that teams were looking to move on from.
Using their financial flexibility and rebuilding timeline as a tool to acquire young talent and draft capital for taking on lucrative contratcs, the Wizards found themselves taking on the deals of several veterans such as Khris Middleton, Marcus Smart and CJ McCollum.
However, the decision to trade for Young was different.
Not only is the star guard entering his prime at 27-years-old, but he fills a void on the roster that the team has struggled to fill through the NBA Draft over the course of their rebuild.
Young's proven to be one of the best passing guard's in the league and his ability to facilitate at a high-level has allowed for him to be one of the most dynamic playmaking guard's in the league.
In addition to what he offers as a passer, the Oklahoma product has continuously proven to be an explosive scorer who can get a bucket when needed to courtesy of his unlimited range and savvy finishing in the paint.
Considering his potential, it's not shocking to see why a team quickly moved on the chance to land Young.
Instead, it was shocking that the Wizards were the team to make the deal, especially considering their current state of the rebuild.
Nonetheless, head coach Brian Keefe's recent comments on what Young will bring to the DMV may have just told us exactly why the Wizards felt like now was a good time to make a swing.
Wizards Trae Young swing focuses on playmaking
In a recent interview with JP Finlay of NBC Sports, head coach Brian Keefe revealed what the Wizards are getting in Trae Young and why his impact will be major:
"We're getting an elite playmaker... someone that's gonna enhance the shooters [which we have a lot more of now]... and Alex Sarr at the rim," Keefe said.
Trae Young's arrival will without a doubt play a major role in the development of big man Alex Sarr and there's no denying that with the shooters on the roster, the attention drawn by the guard's presence on the court will help open up opportunities for others.
With the likes of Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson and even Will Riley being viewed as players who could certainly gain an advantage with Young's arrival considering their spot-up shooting abilities, Washington could be in a great place moving forward whenever Young finally sees the court.