Following the Washington Wizards efforts to swing a blockbuster trade to bring four-time All-Star Trae Young, many wondered if the team could be changing directions from their original rebuilding plans.
Washington has been stuck at the bottom of the NBA standing for seemingly the last decade and while many of those underwhelming seasons were years ago, those struggles have persisted over the last few years.
Fortunately for the Wizards, those underwhelming efforts over the last few seasons have given the team's front office the ammunition to rebuild with several lottery picks over the years.
Landing multiple high upside prospects, including the likes of Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George and most recently Tre Johnson, there's no denying that the Wizards have built an intriguing young core in the DMV.
The team's ability to build an intriguing young core is part of the reason why Young and his camp listed the Wizards as a preferred landing spot.
At the same time, the team's inability to land a reliable playmaker at the point guard position has put them behind in their efforts to return to playoff contention sooner rather than later.
Part of those struggles to land a reliable presence at the point guard position is the exact reason why the Wizards felt the urgency to make the bold move to land the premiere talent.
However, the addition of Young made many believe that the Wizards could be making a mistake by ending their tanking efforts too soon with a talent like Young on the roster.
Despite that, recent developments suggest that the Wizards plan to adjust accordingly understanding what's at stake as the offseason looms.
Wizards plan to tank is still on
Looking ahead to the offseason, Washington is in position to land a top draft pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Nonetheless, following the team's recent stretch of wins, the Wizards hold a 10-28 record, which many believed Young's arrival could put the Wizards draft position in risk.
With the Wizards holding a top-8 protected pick, the stakes have never been higher when it comes to Washington's taking effotrs. Anything outside of the top 8 and the Wizards would be forced to forfeit their first round pick to the New York Knicks.
As a result, it seems as if the Wizards plans for Young are build around holding him out for majority of the season in efforts to not only allow him to return to full health, but allow for the Wizards to position themselves to take a top draft prospect with sights set on a run at the playoff next season.