The Washington Wizards pursuit of Trae Young wasn't only for how he can impact the team this season, but what his addition could mean for the team's long-term plans.
Washington has high hopes for what Young's arrival could offer for the team's future plans, especially when it comes to the development of talented prospects like emerging star Alex Sarr and Young's running mate in the backcourt Tre Johnson.
However, at the same time, the Wizards are fully aware of their top-8 protected pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and not to say that Young's addition would drastically change the team's draft positioning, but considering their recent stretch of wins over the last couple weeks, it's safe to assume that the playmakers impact would contribute to winning.
As a result, Young's debut for the Wizards may not be any time in the near future.
In fact, according to NBA Insider Josh Robbins of The Athletic, Young's debut for the Wizards may not even come this season.
Trae Young could sit the entire season
Trae Young's anticipated debut for the Wizards may be pushed back longer than fans may have hoped for originally.
I would be surprised if he plays much, if at all, the remainder of this season.
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) January 8, 2026
Not only do the Wizards have hopes to still land a top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, but there's a desire to make sure that Young is 100% healthy when he finally returns to action in Washington.
If Young were to sit for the remainder of the season, it could work in favor for both sides as tough as it may be for some fans to hear.
Young could get acclimated into Brian Keefe's system, while prospects like Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George can continue to have their development prioritized in the mean time.
Assuming Washington doesn't make any other blockbuster trades ahead of the NBA trade deadline in February, the team will be positioned to make a huge push in 2026 to build the team around the addition of Young alongside the team's current young core with plenty of time to gameplan the best way to utilize the guard's skillset.
Obviously, Robbins prediction isn't set in stone that Young won't play at all this season.
All that to say, there's no definite answer as to when Young sees the court with his new squad, but it wouldn't come as a total surprise if Young completely forgoes the rest of the 2026 season with the playoffs seeming like an unreachable goal this season.