The Washington Wizards have already made headlines with the blockbuster trade to acquire Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks, but following the recent developments around the league, Washington may not be done just yet.
Washington has made it clear that while this season may be a wash with the team targeting a top-8 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, there's a realistic goal that the Wizards could compete for a playoff spot as soon as next season.
The arrival of Young gives the team the floor general that head coach Brian Keefe has desperately been seeking to run the offense for his team and as the Wizards' young core continues to take steps forward, the ceiling will only grow higher.
As a result, it doesn't come as a surprise to hear the Wizards name being linked to other potential trades as the NBA trade deadline looms in February.
The Wizards are determined to continue adding to their rebuild and with a revealed potential target recently demanding a fresh start, the stars may finally be aligning for Washington to officially make their move.
Jonathan Kuminga demands trade, Wizards could capitalize
Last offseason, Jonathan Kuminga's restricted free agency was one of the most talked about, strung out stories across the league.
The former G-League Ignite star had grown frustrated with his role in Steve Kerr's system and with his frustrations leading to an eventual trade request, it seemed as if the Warriors could be willing to play ball to help facilitate a deal in free agency.
Instead, Golden State opted to play hard ball rather than help their former lottery pick find his next home. In the end, the Warriors reluctancy to facilitate a deal without getting their ideal value led to Kuminga re-signing with the two sides expected to revisit a trade this season if things didn't get better.
Fast forward to now, Kuminga's benching and limited role has led to the dynamic forward demanding a trade after he officially became trade eligible on Thursday.
Golden State's Jonathan Kuminga has demanded a trade away from the Warriors as he becomes eligible to be moved Thursday, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 15, 2026
Full story with @anthonyVslater: https://t.co/70ByLkfbIN
The Wizards have reportedly been interested in Kuminga dating back to the offseason but after acquiring Cam Whitmore for an extremely discounted price, talks simmered down.
Now, Washington's interest has seemingly led to the team revisiting a possible deal for the high-upside wing and with his value likely at an all-time low, the Wizards could strike on yet another deal where the opposing team has no leverage.
With a major expiring contract in Khris Middleton and an abundance of young talent on the roster, Washington could put together an enticing deal that could make them a legitimate suitor for Kuminga this time around.