After trading for Trae Young nearly two weeks ago, the Washington Wizards could still be one of the more active teams leading up to the Feb. 5 deadline, but not in the way some may expect. Josh Robbins of The Athletic reported on Tuesday that the likeliest deadline scenario for the team (subscription required) is "absorbing other teams' multi-year contracts if potential trade partners attach sweeteners such as future draft picks or intriguing young players."
You should view that as a good thing because it would yield additional future draft picks and more young talent, precisely what rebuilding teams like the Wizards want. However, after acquiring Young, some fans might hope Washington makes another splash similar to the one for the point guard.
Wizards could be busy before the deadline after Trae Young trade
Buying low on Young for the price of CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert wasn't all that risky. If there were other players on the market that the Wizards could acquire for a fraction of what they were once worth, you'd think they'd consider it.
Robbins floated out Zion Williamson as a player who fits that description, but to be clear, the Pelicans haven't made him available. Trading for Zion would be far riskier than the move for Young, as the former can't seem to stay on the court. New Orleans would push to receive more in a deal for Zion than what Washington gave up for Trae, too.
We're not here to speculate on a Zion trade, but instead, to highlight the realistic path that the Wizards are expected to take after making what will probably go down as the most surprising pre-deadline deal. It's not that no one thought Young would be traded, but that most thought he wouldn't land in D.C.
That was far more excitement than fans thought they were in for this season, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't also be excited to see what else Washington will do before the deadline. You can never have enough draft capital; ask Oklahoma City.
It's not like the Wizards are pushing to make a playoff run this season, not with their top-eight-protected pick in the 2026 draft from the Knicks. Even after acquiring Young, who may or may not play after the All-Star break as he recovers from MCL and quad injuries, Washington's focus is still on building for the future, as it should be.