The Wizards are taking a cautious approach to Trae Young's rehab after trading him from the Hawks, with little to no on-court action expected before the season ends.

The timing of Young's return could hinge on draft considerations, since Washington’s 2026 first-round pick is top-eight protected and would go to the Knicks otherwise; the Wizards could keep the pick by finishing in the bottom eight.

Overall, the trade is framed as a long-term project for Washington, prioritizing future draft leverage and health management over immediate season results.

A league executive notes the Wizards may avoid heavy on-court action to maximize lottery-position strategy under the current draft rules, balancing rehab with potential long-term benefits.

Washington sits at 10-27, signaling limited incentive for short-term wins and reinforcing the view of the trade as a move aimed at the 2026-27 payoff.

Trae Young, a four-time All-Star, played only 10 games for the Hawks last season due to injuries and is currently sidelined with a right quad contusion and lingering MCL issues.