The Washington Wizards moves ahead of the NBA trade deadline brought plenty of excitment to the fanbase who has patiently waited for something to cheer for.
Washington has assembled one of the best young cores in the entire league, but after years of looking for another star to build around since the departures of John Wall and Bradley Beal, it became evident the team could look to make a splash if the right opportunity presented itself.
Prior to the NBA trade deadline, it appeared that not only one perfect opportunity presented itself, but two.
With the pairing of superstar duo Trae Young and Anthony Davis, the Wizards added two of the top talents not only available on the trade market, but in the league in itself.
Add on the fact that Washington essentially flipped Bradley Beal and Kyle Kuzma for the two stars, it's hard not to be impressed with the roster decisions for general manager Will Dawkins and President of Monumental Basketball Michael Winger.
However, since acquiring the two stars, neither player has seen the court with both additions still rehabbing injuries suffered prior to their new chapter in Washington.
Considering the current state of the team's offseason plans and their hopes to land a top draft pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, it appeared that there would be no rush to have the two players make their debuts anytime soon.
With that being said, when head coach Brian Keefe came out on Wednesday with updates that neither AD or Young were participating in practice, it didn't come as a total shock.
Nonetheless, the team and their fanbase finally received a positive update on the injury front, giving at least some sense of hope that a debut could be made prior to the regular season coming to an end.
Trae Young cleared to increase on-court work
According to a recent injury update from the Wizards, their newly acquired guard has been cleared to increase on-court work as he continues to rehab from an MCL sprain that has sidelined him for majority of the season.
WIZARDS INJURY UPDATES pic.twitter.com/30pMXXh3bM
— Wizards PR (@WizPRStats) February 19, 2026
Obviously, the update doesn't imply that a debut is imminent, but it does show that progress is being made in Young's recovery.
Meanwhile for Davis, it appears the big man will be reevaluated in two weeks with the potential to have a positive update for himself when the time comes.
Regardless, this should be music to fan's ears, especially if they hope to see Young on the court for an early glimpse of the 2026-27 season.