The Washington Wizards' recent acquisition, four-time All-Star guard Trae Young, will unfortunately be sidelined through the All-Star break in mid-February. He is currently recuperating from MCL and quadriceps injuries, casting a temporary shadow on his debut with his new team. This period of recovery is crucial for his full rehabilitation and future performance.
Star Guard Trae Young Faces Extended Sideline Period Following Trade to Washington Wizards
In a recent development on Wednesday afternoon, January 14, 2026, ESPN reported that the Washington Wizards are set to reevaluate their newly signed guard, Trae Young, only after the All-Star break, which falls in mid-February. Young, a distinguished four-time All-Star, has yet to make his debut for the Wizards since his trade from the Atlanta Hawks just last week, on January 7th. The trade saw veteran guard CJ McCollum and forward Corey Kispert move to the Hawks. The talented 27-year-old guard is currently battling MCL and quad injuries, having last graced the court on December 27th. In that game, he contributed nine points and ten assists during the Hawks' narrow 128-125 defeat to the New York Knicks. This season, during his ten appearances with the Hawks, Young maintained averages of 19.3 points, 8.9 assists, and 1.5 rebounds. His shooting percentages stood at 41.5% from the field and 30.5% from beyond the arc, marking his lowest statistical output since his rookie year. Despite these figures, Young led the league in the previous season with an impressive 11.6 assists per game, and his career average of 9.8 assists per game places him third in NBA history, behind only legendary Hall of Famers Earvin "Magic" Johnson and John Stockton. Throughout his eight-season career, spanning 493 starts, Young has averaged 25.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. Drafted fifth overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, he earned All-Star selections in 2020, 2022, 2024, and 2025, and was notably named to the All-NBA Third Team in the 2021-22 season.
This setback for Trae Young and the Wizards underscores the unpredictable nature of professional sports, where star players' health can significantly impact team dynamics. It highlights the importance of patient rehabilitation for athletes to ensure their long-term well-being and peak performance. While fans eagerly await his return, this period also offers an opportunity for other team members to step up and showcase their capabilities, fostering resilience and depth within the squad.